Phobia of wasps / bees

[Hesneverevenbeenstung]

Any tips on how to manage a 5 year old irrational fear of bees / wasps?

It came about out of the blue a few weeks ago but has really developed over the last few weeks. I guess not being at school isn't helping things either.

It's really beginning to impact everyone in the household.

He won't go outside during the day. Its a challenge to get him outside even in the evening.

He won't even be in the room if a window is open. And inevitably we either give in to him or he will spend hours in a stuffy bedroom which is not healthy.

I have tried to reason with him. We have watched videos, we have seen dead bees and he is fine with all that. I have explained that I have been stung and how it was a little sore and itchy but not as sore as falling off a bike for instance.

But get him outside and he clings to you practically shaking. And won't leave the shade.

I don't know whether its worth a call to the GP. But he's not an only child so I am trying to balance it between managing his fears, whilst not making other child suffer too much.

Any ideas or similar experiences?

We've had similar with my 5 year old, we couldnt get him outside for a few days.
What eventually worked was a little white lie telling him bees and wasps were scared of sun cream so if he put that on they wouldn't go near him.
He will now go out but is constantly on edge looking out for them and can tell he just wants to go outside but at least he's getting some vitamin D.

My 13 year old has this phobia. Won’t go in the garden, but goes out on the bike. (Maybe he thinks wasps won’t be able to catch him? ) I don’t know why, but I definitely will not ask in case he suddenly realises what he’s been doing.

Thanks both

I might try a white lie.

And Angry I can relate. Did manage to get him on scooter earlier for a walk. But he got scared and upset when we were out so think that may be more difficult now