Can you pass phobias on to your children?

[Fightingback]

The subject of whether you can pass phobias on to your children is a very interesting one. On one hand, physically there is no hint that you can in any way pass on a phobia gene to your children so you are safe there. Mentally, if you have particular phobias and particular fears, it is possible that your children may mimic your fears and actions and in turn develop the phobia themselves. Anyone had any experience of this?

 

[LynnyB]

There is no medical evidence to suggest that phobias are passed on by your DNA but as children copy their parents in their early days, if they see you scared of something then they may mimic you going forward. It is therefore essential that you try to hide your fears and phobias from your children unless of course these are part of life lessons such as crossing the road, approaching dogs, etc.

 

[Helprequired]

I totally agree, it would appear that phobias are not passed by your DNA but if children watch your activities and mimic you then they may well subconsciously take on your phobias and fears. The very careful!

 

[Admin]

Some interesting comments, so it looks as though phobias are not passed in your DNA but if children mimic or see your reaction to certain events then this can lead to them copying your phobia. How best would you avoid this scenario?

 

[Helprequired]

I suppose there is an argument to suggest that children copying their parents might be a strong as a DNA link?