Megalophobia: a Fear of Large Objects

7. Specific Phobia vs. Normal Fear

It is normal for children to have unreasonable fears as they grow up. Fears of the dark or monsters are common. However, sometimes a child doesn't grow out of a specific fear and it develops into a phobia that negatively impacts their life. Phobias are different from fears or anxiety around things or issues that pose a real danger. In most cases, the reaction to the feared object or concept usually significantly overshoots the actual level of danger.