Hi everyone I have a little boy who will be 3 in March and just recently he seems to have become scared of everything. He is scared ofcartoons, santa, christmas lights, shops, loud noises, the bath, playgroup he has even become scared of some of his toys. I had a baby 5 months ago, but these problems have only just developed and he does not seem to be jealous but seems really loving towards his little sister, do you think this is just a phase and any ideas how to help him?
2006-12-08 01:04:34 · 9 answers · asked by cat2116 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Sorry to say, although he loves his little sister, he's stressing out from being a big brother. He could probably use some just Mommy and him time. Try to find a regular time slot that it's just the two of you. Tell him that you really enjoy those times with him.
As for getting over these fears, yes, he'll outgrow them. Right now there are a ton of stressors with all the sights and sounds. Try to minimize his exposure. If the cartoons are too loud and too much, don't have them on. Try to have the bath already filled with some of his favorite toys before you tell him it's bathtime. Rotate his toys so that you take away the scary ones for now. Whatever you don't, don't minimize his feelings. For him, they are really scary. Don't say, " Oh, there's nothing to be scared of. You're such a big boy ! " His feelings are real, validate them.
2006-12-08 01:12:50 · answer #1 · answered by yodeladyhoo 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Kids are always terrified of Santa. As for everything else, just patiently explain to him what these things are and how they work. We are afraid of what we don't understand. Understanding will help him get over the fear. Of course, at 3 he won't understand quite so well, so it will take a while, but he'll be okay.
This is also a bid for attention. You say he doesn't seem jealous, but seeking attention is the main form of "jealousy" kids display. It's normal, he's just not used to the shift in attention, but they get used to it. Don't encourage it. For things like his toys, don't make a big deal out of him being scared. Just explain "no, this is just a toy" and move on. No lingering over the issue. Once he no longer gets the attention for it, he will no longer do it.
In some cases, this can be a sign of things like autism. However, I generally look to the explanation that kids just go through phases like this, first. If it gets worse, let your doctor know.
2006-12-08 01:40:23 · answer #2 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello cat2116,
Hopefully it is just a phase he is going through. It sounds like a possible anxiety disorder, but it could just be a phase due to his rapidly developing brain and nervous system.
Next doctor's appointment be sure to mention it to the doctor. In the mean time, don't show fear yourself. Remain calm and allow him to be dependent on you for safety and comfort.
If he is not too scared, you can demonstrate to him that there is nothing to be afraid of by playing with the toys that he has become scared of, show him, but remain calm. If he gets too scared, don't force the issue. Give him lots of reassurence that he can depend on you and you will keep him safe.
He may have gone through something that scared him while you were having the baby or not home? Something he doesn't realize or is too young to talk about, or even to understand? Have patience with him, allow for dependence, and talk to his doc next time you go in.
Good luck,
S
2006-12-08 01:13:57 · answer #3 · answered by Sharlene R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like his imagination is getting the best of him. AT 3, a child's imagination is full speed, which is great for dramatic play and pretending, awful if it goes overboard. He'll grow out of it. In the mean time, talk to him about what frightens him. His fears are real to him. Good luck!
2006-12-08 07:04:42 · answer #4 · answered by Jamie S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a phase just try to let him see you do all the things he is afraid to do so he can see there is nothing to fear. either way he'll more than likely grow out of it. My little brother would pee on himself because he was scared to go upstairs by himself. Now you would never know that little boy ever existed.
2006-12-08 01:07:43 · answer #5 · answered by bmoregurl23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he may have seen something happen that scared him and maybe the things that he is afraid of reminds him of whatever it was. the best thing to do is give it a few months and see if anything changes because it could be normal. if not then you should take him to a child psychiatrist and see if they can find out what is wrong.
2006-12-08 01:30:19 · answer #6 · answered by liltrojan6 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this age there imagination is really starting to develop, they have trouble distiguishing what is real and what is not. My son is 3 and is terrified of his bedroom, we have to do a monster check every night. Just show him these things will not hurt him and he will eventually grow out of it.
2006-12-08 01:12:03 · answer #7 · answered by Jody 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will grow out of this. I took my son(3yr) to a Christmas Parade recently, and he was scared of Santa too.....Good Luck!
2006-12-08 01:07:16 · answer #8 · answered by Simple1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is just a sissy... when i was 3 i shot someone
2006-12-08 01:07:09 · answer #9 · answered by snoflake7771 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋