It is very normal for any toddler to be anxious, scared, clingy or withdrawn as they explore the world around them. As parents, you must have experienced your toddler clinging to you while thunderstorms rattled the windows of the house, or never entering a dark room. These are common toddler fears that typically feature dogs, the darkness, monsters and ghosts, vaccinations, doctors, water or any other thing.
The tiny little world of the toddler considers these fears as big and scary. Thus, addressing these typical apprehensions with love, care, and empathy can nurture a sense of safety, fostering healthy emotional development overtime.
In This Article
- What is Fear?
- What Causes Fear in Toddlers?
- Signs And Symptoms of Fear in Toddlers
- Top 10 Common Fears Toddlers Have
- How to Soothe a Toddler When They Are Afraid?
- What Can You do to Allay Your Toddler’s Fear?
- Is Fear The Same as Phobia?
- When to Seek Help?
- FAQ’s
What is Fear?
Fear is an emotion that arises when perceived threats or real dangers are around. In toddlers, fear is any unpleasant feeling response that is triggered by anything that seems dangerous to them. They become alert, either make a loud cry or run away from the situation. Research studies have shown that common toddler fears are always connected to withdrawal, avoidance, and crying responses (1).
What Causes Fear in Toddlers?
Fear in toddlers can either be a product of their vivid imaginations or it can be due to their little understanding of their surroundings. Sometimes, this fear also arises out of a feeling of uncertainty and need for comfort from a caregiver. Some of the common causes of fear in toddlers are as follows-
- New experiences – facing unfamiliar situations or people
- Vivid imaginations – creating imaginations of monsters in a dark room
- Sudden loud noises – firecrackers or thunders that they have not heard before
- Exposure to screens – fighting scenes, or dog running behind someone, scary visuals of any sort
- Imitating the parents – If caregivers are scared of certain things such as a dog, or dark rooms, the toddler can imitate the same
- Social situations – such as big crowds, loud music can make them fearful
Signs And Symptoms of Fear in Toddlers
Some of the notable signs of fear in toddlers are-
- Trying to hold on to parents
- Crying or shivering out of fear
- Trying to hide in a safe palace
- Increased heart rate
- Avoiding places that they find scary
- Not entering a lonely room
- Refuses to visit new places all alone
- Using gestures to say they’re scared
- Pointing to things that are scary
Top 10 Common Fears Toddlers Have
Toddlers can be afraid of anything and everything. Be it cooker whistle, mixer sound, loud horns, even other kids crying or shouting. Some common toddler fears are which are more common are-
1. Fear of The Dark
Most of the toddlers are afraid of darkness. They feel uncomfortable at those corners of the house which are dark. To help them you can teach them how to switch on the lights of that place. In the bedroom you may put a night bulb for some light to avoid complete darkness. Take them out in the dark along with you and show them things which can only be seen in dark like twinkling stars that look attractive in the dark, a firefly or any other thing.
2. Fear of Animals, Insects, Bugs
Let them touch the dog if it’s a pet, in your presence. Explain to them it hurts only when you hit them or misbehave with them. See if they particularly dislike some insects or bugs, help them wipe their fear away.
3. Ghosts And Monsters
If your toddler feels there is a shadow in the room or there are some monsters under their bed, do not laugh at their imagination. Be considerate, read them a story, decorate the room in bright hues and light the shadowy corners of the room. Show them the monster masks and explain it’s not real. You may take the help of books with pictures if needed.
4. Fear of Loud Noises
If your toddler feels scared when vacuum cleaner is on, you may bring them a small toy version of it with less noise. Slowly they may become habitual. Explain, explain, explain and be patient.
5. Fear of Thunder And Lightning
Toddlers get terrified with the loud sound of thunder as it occurs all of a sudden. The light sparks and booming sound irritates their senses, triggering a fear response. An immediate reassurance from parents can help soothe their fear.
6. Separation Anxiety
As your toddler now distinguishes between familiar and unfamiliar faces, they feel insecure at not finding you around. Work this out with them by gently playing hide and seek and increasing the time of separation slowly. They trust you the most, and you are also worried about them. Assure them that Mommy is always around and nothing will happen to them.
7. Fear of Abandonment
When the tiny tot fears being left alone or abandoned, they cry or show extreme distress. This is because they start feeling insecure and lonely. Being separated from caregivers triggers a worry about who is going to look after them now.
8. People Wearing Masks
For toddlers, not being able to see someone’s face is unsettling. It’s a fear of the unknown and the unfamiliar. Moreover, they feel confused about what it is all about. Thus, they cry when they see masked people around them.
9. Fear of Doctors
This common toddler fear stems from previous pain associated with any procedure such as vaccination in a doctor’s clinic. The thought of getting another shot can trigger fear. Moreover, if the doctor’s clinic is not child-friendly, toddlers may feel insecure and thereby start crying the moment they enter the room.
10. Fear of Needles
This common toddler fear is directly linked with pain. The medical procedure causes physical discomfort and induces fear. It leads to avoidance behavior during healthcare visits.
How to Soothe a Toddler When They Are Afraid?
Few toddlers feel scared in a new place or with a new person or loud noises. With their age their imagination and thinking also grows and crosses many boundaries. As parents you should not get worried and tense. Offer your support to them and try understanding them with love and empathy. A few tips might be helpful-
- Offer your support to them and try understanding them with love and empathy
- You can offer comfort by hugs and physical touches
- Take them in your lap and assure them that you are there for support
- Give them their favorite toy to divert attention
What Can You do to Allay Your Toddler’s Fear?
The best help you can provide them is to teach them how to manage their fear. Some things you can do to allay your toddler’s fear are-
- Engage your toddler in calming activities like playing with them, or taking them to the park when fear triggers in
- Create safe environments such as closing windows if loud sounds are there, or put on the light in a dark room
- Gradually expose them to the feared object in your presence
- If your toddler is scared of insects and bugs, show them that they’re harmless unless provoked
- Don’t show your own fears in front of your toddler. Try to work through your fears so that your little one doesn’t imitate you
Is Fear The Same as Phobia?
No fear and phobias are not the same. Phobias are much more intense, persistent, and need immediate medical intervention than normal toddler fears. Research has shown that specific phobias can cause severe anxiety, overthinking, and usually interferes with academic and social development in toddlers and young children (2). However, common toddler fears don’t do such harm, if managed well at the right time.
When to Seek Help?
Some fears will gradually go away as your little one takes a major control of their feelings. But if your toddler is deeply scared of something and it is consistent, you may consult a doctor once to know the actual reason. Moreover, if the fear is causing a significant impact in daily life, or is growing intensely overtime, you should consult a child psychologist for advice and guidance.
Avoid too much care, it may be harmful for your toddler in future. Kids with adequate care and protection turn up as confident individuals as compared to raised under over protective parents. It is not possible to get rid of any fear quickly or in just a few days. It may take months or years too. But we should keep on supporting them and teaching them. This way we can help them to overcome common toddler fears they have and make them strong.
FAQ’s
1. What Are Normal Fears For Toddlers?
Normal fears of toddlers are those anxious moments of distress that they face while hearing loud noises, or while facing darkness or strangers. Sometimes, imaginary creatures, animals can also appear fearful to them.
2. Why is my 2-Year-Old Suddenly Afraid of Everything?
If you find your 2-year-old suddenly afraid of everything, it could be because of their constant exploration of the surroundings. In doing so, they may come across situations that are fearful or threatening to their emotional wellbeing.
3. What is The Difference Between Fear And Anxiety?
Fear is an instinctive response to threats in the surroundings. However, anxiety is a broad term that involves fear, constant worries, and overthinking as well. Anxiety is persistent and usually needs medical attention. Normal fears can diminish overtime on its own.
References
- Which Fearful Toddlers Should We Worry About? Context, Fear Regulation, and Anxiety Risk – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3086967/]
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Parent- and Child-Factors in Specific Phobias: The Interplay of Overprotection and Negative Affectivity – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7484109/]
