Final answer:
Kadence, at 8 years old, is likely to fear being alone in the dark, as it is a common fear among children in Middle School due to their vivid imagination and developing cognitive skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kadence, who is 8 years old, may experience common fears appropriate for middle childhood. At this developmental stage, children like Kadence are likely to fear being alone in the dark rather than the other options listed, such as public speaking, the future and mortality, or cognitive decline in old age. Fears of public speaking or contemplating the future and mortality tend to appear in later stages of development, such as adolescence or adulthood, and concerns about cognitive decline are typically reserved for much later in life. In contrast, childhood fears often focus on more immediate and tangible concerns, like the dark, which can be associated with an expanded imagination and an awareness of the environment around them.
During elementary school years, common childhood fears are usually based on concrete events and situations. These fears often arise from a child's growing understanding of the world, yet lacking the experience and cognitive skills to always interpret these situations accurately. They may also still have a vivid imagination that can make certain situations, such as being alone in the dark, seem far scarier than they would to an adult. Parents and caregivers can help children like Kadence by offering reassurance, setting up nightlights, and gradually fostering independence to alleviate fears during this critical developmental stage.