Why your toddler gets scared

When toddlers become mobile and start exploring the world around them, they begin to learn about the risks all around them. Since their brains are still developing, they try to make sense of all this new information. It’s only natural for them to become anxious about what they see and hear. A loud bang of thunder, for example, may scare them. Fear is a human instinct – and a perfectly normal response in toddlers – but sometimes fears can worsen into phobias.

A few common fears toddlers may have include:

• Fear of the dark
• Monsters hiding under the bed
• Thunder and lightning
• Strangers
• Fireworks
• Animals they are unfamiliar with
• Being alone
• Separation from parents

The difference between anxiety, fear, and phobia in toddlers

Unlike anxiety, fear is usually short-lived, predictable, and doesn’t last – it goes away with time. Anxiety can be potentially chronic and sometimes life-long. Anxiety can easily develop into a phobia, which is an extreme fear often triggered by a bad experience. 

Handling anxiety in your toddler

You can help your child be less anxious by being consistent, sensitive, and patient. Never belittle your child’s fear – to them, the fear is real.  Calm them down by maintaining eye contact, and smiling, and talking calmly. If there is a physical activity that frightens your child – like climbing a jungle gym, for example,  try making the task a bit easier by letting them start halfway down. Once they’re confident, they will be more likely to want to try from the top.

Coping with a phobia

Sometimes a child may need professional help when dealing with extreme fears and phobias. A play therapist can give your child the tools they need to cope with phobias and help them work through their fears.