Is it normal for my child to suddenly be afraid of things? The answer is yes.
As children grow, there are various childhood phases in which fears emerge as children learn to deal with the unknown and the unexpected. Just like adults, young toddlers can experience anxiety and fear. Keep in mind that this is completely normal.
Childhood fears tend to change with age; therefore, something your child is afraid of or has anxiety about now will likely not last long.
What is my child afraid of?
At a young age, it can simply be the fear of the unknown that makes your child afraid. Sometimes a fear may stem from an unpleasant past experience. Here are some common things that young children fear:
Separation anxiety and strangers
Before your child reaches the age of 1, it is common for your child to go through a period of separation anxiety. Your child fears their primary caregiver leaving them with someone else. This is often true even with people that your child already knows. Even if this fear goes away, it is common for it to return as they get older and are experiencing new things such as going to a new day care or school.
Loud noises or sudden movements
Your 1- to 2-year-old is experiencing many things in their life for the first time. In the spring and summer when you have the windows open, it is common for your toddler to be afraid of the many new outside noises such as passing vehicles, people passing by, and sirens. They will look to you to help them learn how to react. Remain calm and assure them with your words that everything is OK.
The dark
To a toddler, darkness can be a scary place. This is unknown territory to your child as they are not able to see the things they are familiar with. If they happen to see a shadow outside their bedroom window, they may begin to cry out. Ease your child’s fear by putting a night light in the room or keeping the bedroom door open slightly for security.
Animals
Children can often be afraid of animals, dogs in particular, especially if they have been bitten in the past. The loud barking of a dog can be frightening. Be sure if your child is going to pet a strange animal, you first check with the owner to make sure it is OK.
Thunderstorms
A thunderstorm is not tangible, so it is hard for your child to grasp what is going on. Letting your child know that they are safe indoors is the best thing you can do for them. It may be helpful to make your own thunderstorm with your child by patting their knees and clapping their hands to imitate the sounds of the storm.
Common signs of fear
- Problems getting to sleep or staying asleep longer than usual
- Nausea
- Stomachache
- Becoming clingy
- Crying
- Heavy breathing
How to calm your child’s fears
- Respect your child’s fears and be sympathetic.
- Don’t try to talk your child out of being afraid of something. This may hurt more than help the situation.
- Let your child know they are safe. Overreacting or getting upset will only scare your child further.
- Minimize the number of caregivers in your child’s life. You want your child to be able to create a bond with caregivers to ensure trust.
- Be patient with your child and try to understand exactly what it is they are afraid of. If your child is nonverbal, it is important to read their body language.
- Try a new twist. Make their fear into something fun. For example, if your child is afraid of the dark, turn off the lights one night and read a book with a flashlight. Becoming more familiar with their fear will help them be less anxious about it.
Most childhood fears are all about experiences. The more familiar your child becomes with their surroundings, the less likely they are to be afraid of different things. Be supportive of their fears and know that it is developmentally appropriate for your child to feel anxious and sometimes fearful about the world around them.
Knowing your child’s temperament is helpful when dealing with fears so you can better understand how to help them cope. To learn more about your child’s temperament, email a parenting specialist at parenting@sanfordhealth.org.
Learn more
- Separation anxiety: Tips to stop tearful goodbyes
- Does having a dog at home make for well-adjusted kids?
- Childhood anxiety: Tips for parents on signs & coping skills
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
