Every child will experience fears at some point. It is a normal stage in their development that they become scared of something. Toddlers are often afraid of noises, animals, insects, separation, noises, bedtime, bathing, and even water. Some children will have more or stronger fears than others. Often, it is difficult to calm your toddler’s fears.

The fact that it is normal for your toddler to experience fears does not reduce the amount of anxiety and worry that you as a parent have when your child is expressing those fears. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help in calming your toddler’s fears.

One important thing to remember when trying to calm your toddler’s fears is to try to be understanding. Your child does not want to be afraid; he needs your help to know that everything will be all right. Berating your child, or putting him down, will not ease his fears. Quite the opposite, they may intensify his fears.

Talking through a fear with your toddler can often help to calm her fears. Ask her what it is that she is afraid of. Help her to understand that the fear, while it is very real and very scary to her, is not rational. If she is worried, for example, that there are monsters under the bed, turn on the light and look under the bed with her. If she is afraid that the dog is going to try to eat her, show her how the dog only likes to eat his food. If she’s afraid of going into the water, go into the water yourself. Help her dangle her toes in the water. Show her the other children swimming. Give her a rational context for her irrational fears.

When your child overcomes his fears, be sure to give him encouragement. If he goes into the water, for example, tell him what a big boy he is, and how brave he is.

When fears are prolonged, repeated, and you have no success at calming your toddler’s fears, she may be dealing with a phobia. At this point, it might be worth talking to your health care provider or a child psychologist to help address the fear.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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