This may seem like a stupid question, yet it is one that may confront a parent when they are coping with something that seems perfectly normal to them – yet it terrifies their toddler. So it’s important to understand why toddlers may feel fear.
Your Experience is Not Your Toddler’s
What may seem silly to an adult is not in the same category with your toddler. They are afraid of the dark because they cannot comprehend that light will chase it away. They may be afraid of strangers because of the differences in their voices and their size and their scent. They can be afraid of places where there are crowding, noise or odd sounds that are out of their realm of experience.
Do not discount your toddler’s fears. I read a story once about a woman who’s toddler was deathly afraid of a plunger. She had no idea why. She couldn’t imagine why the very sight of a plunger was enough to give her son the heebie jeebies. She later learned that he had watched a show with an older sibling where a character got a plunger stuck on his head – this frightened the young, imaginative mind so he was worried about getting a plunger stuck on his own head.
Imagination Station
Toddlerhood is also a time for growing imagination. Their imaginations are developing in a variety of ways. They are creating plays with their toys. Pretending to be different characters from stories and television shows and even beings we may not be able to imagine for ourselves because the world is a toddler’s playground. With a fertile and growing imagination comes fear and worry as well.
Respect Your Toddler’s Fears
Respect and acknowledge their fears. Do not dismiss them. Keep in mind that what they are and are not afraid is not always something reasonable. Unreasonable fears are fears nonetheless. You can explain these things to him or her. You can offer them comfort – but the best thing you can do is to support them so they do not feel dismissed. There will come a time when they are ready to confront those fears and your support and respect will help them to do that.
What toddler fears have you had to cope with?
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