Toddlers have very vivid imagination and that is why the way they perceive things is completely different from us. They are afraid of so many things that the list may seem to be infinitely long. However, there is nothing wrong in such fears, but it is your responsibility to make your child face his fears with confidence. In this article, we have compiled a list of some of the most common toddler fear and insecurities, and the ways with the help of which you can help your child to combat his fears.
1. Strangers
It has been observed that small children often have a fear from strangers and there is nothing bad in this as children must not interact with people whom they don’t know. However, the problem arises when your child starts fearing from those friends or relatives with whom he doesn’t gets an opportunity to interact with on a regular basis. You must give your child ample opportunities to do so, it may happen that your child is shy or introvert, in that case you need to stand beside your child to give him the confidence to interact and be friendly with other people.
2. Toilets and bathrooms
This problem is most observed in children who have recently started their potty training. This happens mainly because of the fact that small children rarely go alone anywhere. When it comes to the toilet, they not only have to be alone, but also the atmosphere there including all those mechanical functions such as loud flushes, water disappearing the drain can be quite frightening for him. The best thing that you can do is explain how thing works in there, let him do some practice and last but not the least, prepare a safe way for your child to use the toilet.
3. Darkness
It is certainly one of the most common fear that has been observed in toddlers. They have their vivid imaginations about darkness, as if some monster may come out from no where. It is your responsibility to help your child in tackling such fears, make him aware how to turn the lights on in such places, help him to build confidence so that he can face such situations. You can even consider adding a night light to his bedroom.
4. Costumes, masks and mascots
In comparison to adults, toddlers have weird imaginations and that is why they can’t easily distinguish between what is real and what is fake. Although it may be funny for you to see those mascots and costumes, for your child it is completely a different experience because of the fact that he might not be very much comfortable with the disproportion in size and novelty of the costumes. You must always remember that you don’t force your child to interact with people wearing mask if he is afraid to do so. Instead of this, make the people wearing costumes to remove their masks in order to assure your child that even they are normal people.
5. Separations
Toddlers are always afraid of being away from someone whom they are very much close, such as their mother. In such cases, you must make sure that you are leaving your child with someone whom your child trusts. Other than this, you can even try to get your child involved in some sort of activity before leaving. You can also reassure your child that you’ll return soon, thus making him feel much more comfortable.
6. Doctors and dentists
Toddlers are always afraid of visiting doctors and dentists which happens mainly because of the fact that they tend to associate such occasions with pain. You need to help your child to combat this fear, prepare him in advance by telling what is he going to experience there. You even need to stay with your child during procedures and reward him for his cooperation.
7. Bad dreams
This happens again because of their inability to distinguish between the real world and imaginations. Although it may happen that your child will not be able to tell you exactly how he felt, his gestures will surely show his distress. If your child has a nightmare, then try to reassure him that you are there with him and nothing bad will happen, it was just a dream. Try to provide him some solace and comfort using his favorite blanket and stuffed animals.
8. Being alone
Toddlers often get upset and distressed when they are alone, however, it is necessary that you make your child learn to adjust in such situations. The game of being alone can help you out. You must try being in separate rooms from where you can see and listen each other, first it must be you to be alone in the room, then encourage your child to do the same. Continue doing this until your absence does not upsets him.
9. Weather
If you are of the opinion that even your child enjoys the weather in the same way as you do, then you are certainly mistaken. Toddlers have completely different viewpoint. You must help your child to enjoy the small details in the weather. If a particular day is windy, then take your child outside and play with him. This way he will be able to experience the different aspects of weather, and soon, even he’ll start enjoying.
10. Monsters
Although we know that nothing like this exists in the real world, but believe us, you can’t convince your child to feel the same way. Toddlers have the habit of conjuring monsters in dark corners, clouds and shadows. Help your child in tackling those ‘monster visits’. Check all the dark corners in your house in front of him to assure your child that there is nothing to fear, and above all you will always be with him.
