How do you get a 19 month old to not be so frightened of men?

Question

men she doesn't know, whether they're related to her or not.

Answer 1

Children go through periods where they are more shy or uncertain around others..sometimes it's anybody they don't know, sometimes it's just certain kinds of people or people with certain physical characteristics. Often they feel this way for no reason at all, but it might still be good for you to think back or ask yourself if there might be a reason that your child feels this way.
I wouldn't push it and I wouldn't worry about it with males she doesn't know and probably won't see again. With those who are close to her, like family, it would be good for them to interact from a distance and in a situation where your child feels safe (like in your lap). Playing peek a boo, rolling a ball, making funny faces; anything as long as your child isn't expected to go near the man, at least at the beginning.

Answer 2

Make a point of being in places where a trusted, nonthreatening friend or relative is. He should not make any advances toward the child at first, but just be there. Gradually let the child see you or other children safely interacting with this person. The man can play with an interesting toy, animal, or read a book out loud. Eventually, in his own time, the child will come closer to see what is going on. This may take several times, especially if the child has a good reason to be afraid of men. Good luck.

Answer 3

I think a better question is why is the 19 month old afraid of men? Was there ever abuse or has the child just simply not been around men very much?

Until there is a kind and patient man that cares and actually wants to have a relationship with the child, I don't think there is much that needs to be done. Exposing the child to men that aren't going to be around much or aren't that great with kids could do more damage in the end.

Answer 4

I wouldn't be concerned too much unless you think someone at sometime may have done something to make her this way. My older daughter had a thing about men~in general also didn't matter if they were related or not. I think it was the voice, men usually have a louder, rougher voice then women. It lasted until she was about 2-21/2 then she started to relax. My youngest has thing with people~that is anyone she doesn't see on a regular basis she shys away from, she is 17mos old and she is just started to get somewhat better about it. She finally went to one of her uncles this weekend but she only sees him about once a month, every other month, she just doesn't know him very well. Like I said I wouldn't worry too much unless you think someone has made her this way. Did you and her father argue a lot around her or did he yell at you a lot while you were pregnant & she was younger? It could have something to do with it. Have you brought your concerns up with her peditrician?
Just a thought, hope it helps.

Answer 5

You really can't, but he/she will outgrow it eventually. I had a friend whose daughter was terrified of some men, one of them was my uncle. She would cry and run and hide if he was there. One day he sat on the floor on the far side of the room from her and rolled a ball to her. She hid behind her Mom but rolled the ball back, eventually she was sitting across from him rolling the ball back and forth with him, but never getting to close. But it was a start in building trust and in showing her that most men aren't really scary. You could try something like that, just make it gradual and don't force it, and like I said, if something like this doesn't work, the child will outgrow it, it's actually common for toddlers to have fears of things or certain people. It might be hard if you are out at a store or something and there's bound to be men she doesn't know around, but this stage shouldn't last long.

Answer 6

Could be just related to the facial hair which is scary to children. See if there is something that she is noticing that she don't like. No Santa pictures this year. Don't worry, most likely this is just a stage he/she is going through.

Answer 7

If he or she is frightened of certain people, it could be that there's something about them that's scary. Children are very perceptive and you need to not discourage them from trusting what they sense. I would say keep her away from individuals he's frightened of.

Answer 8

HAVE THE CLOSE MEN IN YOUR LIFE GROW A BEARD,LET THE TOT PULL ON THE BEARD A TAD. THE MEN SAY " OH YOU GOT ME OR YOU SURE ARE A STRONG LIL' PUMPKIN THEN MAYBE INTERACT WITH THE OLD ---I'VE GOT YOUR NOSE GAME ACTUALLY,ALL& ALL IT'S FUN FOR THE TOT,THE GENTLEMEN & YOURSELF. JUST AN IDEA

Answer 9

what made her so frightened of men in the first place?
that's the question you should be wondering

Answer 10

would "men" be referring to the child's father? or any type of men?? if it is just any type of men, i would teach your child not to talk to strangers but if they are family members, show the child that you are okay with that male and maybe the child will catch on??