Taming Toddler Fears

Your child seems fearless one day and is afraid of just about everything the next. Here’s why, plus tips to ease the fear.

- Nikki Temkin

Toddler fears are a normal developmental phase. In fact, anxiety is a natural condition that assists humans in coping with new experiences and protects us from danger. “Fears are part of how kids learn to understand and manage their environment,” explains educational psychologist Ashley Jay.

There are evolutionary reasons for the feeling of fear in children, because those born in the prehistoric era were more likely to survive if they were terrified of big animals, deep water or snakes. Some fears arise from first-hand experiences, but witnessing an event can also provoke fear. For example, developing a fear of lifts after seeing someone trapped in one.

Toddler fears can include anything that overloads their senses. Sudden loud noises, the vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, sirens, the bath draining, sudden movements and being put down too quickly are often anxiety inducing scenarios for little ones. Confusing contraptions like drains and fans, the dark, monsters, insects, weather, nightmares, strangers, separations from caregivers, being alone, masks, toilets and doctors are also common culprits.

“When babies are born, their nervous systems are still developing, so when there is too much information coming to them through their senses, it’s too much for their nervous systems to handle, which will lead to a fear reaction,” explains Ashley.

Sudden onset fears