How do I help my child who has a fear of germs?

Answer by  Ellen48 (40)

Like adults, children also can suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. Because OCD is a complicated disorder that involves brain chemistry, you should arrange for a referral to a child psychiatrist from your child's pediatrician. A psychiatrist can evaluate whether your chid suffers from a treatable disorder, or whether he is going through a phase that will resolve itself.

Answer by  nksmom (197)

You might have your pediatrition speak to him about the fact that not all germs are bad. Make light of catching a cold and avoid speaking of H1N1 etc.

Answer by  rjs108 (310)

You should talk to the child about how germs are both harmful and beneficial. The world needs some germs to work properly. Withe harmful germs, our bodies have been built to resist their influence, but proper hygiene helps us resist harmful germs.