My daughter just turned 2 on the 9th of Dec. She is suddenly fearful of almost anything anywhere. She seen Santa Claus on a gift bag and was fine with it (was actually excited to see it) until dad said in a deep voice, "Santa says ho, ho, ho." Then she was totally freaked out by the bag and wouldn't even touch it. This happened in our own house and she wouldn't let me put her down. She clung onto me with all her might. She used to go to bed just fine too and now, the last two nights she has cried and screamed at the top of her lungs. I tried to ignore her because usually after 5min. of crying she'll go to sleep, but last night she screamed for 20min. I just don't know what to do for her. I don't want her to get used to us rocking her. She usually goes to sleep just fine on her own. Does anyone have any suggestions how to calm this fear during the day and night?? Especially bed time.
2006-12-19 06:19:54 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Since Dad's "Santa voice" has obviously made her fearful of Santa, try showing her that Santa isn't scary. Maybe get a toy elf and make a funny voice and then show her that the elves help make the toys with Santa.
For bedtime, just sit down with her and read a story. Make sure you tell her "After the story, it's time for bed" so she has a fair 'warning' that bedtime comes after her book. If she knows this, it will allow her to prepare (so to speak) for bedtime without just being layed down and expected to go to sleep.
2006-12-19 06:25:24 · answer #1 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is the Age. All kids at two start having fears and nightmares. It is normal and nothing to worry about.
You can ease her fears by constantly showing her the normal, light side of everything. But humans in costumes is very scary and the fear can stay for years until about 5 yrs old for some. Do not expose her to costumed persons and if she sees one ask the person to show her their real face to prove that it is a human not a monster (of course Santa is the exception as he will not want to spoil her future Christmas) But clowns, Disney figures, halloween and such are fine. She needs to make the connection to a familiar face.
Fear at night is common. She can sleep with a bright night light. Also they have special night lights that reflect images on the ceiling such as happy faces, disney charaters, or anything she thinks as happy. You can choose the type.
It is highly important to make bedtime a happy time for kids early like this age or it can become hard to get them to bed for years. Make it the same time, repeat the same procedures, and make it comfy for her. Treat, Brush, Bath, Bed, Read a Book to Her, bring her favorite stuffed animal to bed too. Do this every night. Make it your time. If she shows fear prove it wrong, show her nothing is under the bed, closet and such. You can even play soft, joyful music like lulybyes till she falls asleep.
Never laugh at her fears or let anyone scare her at this tender age. She will be fine, give it time.
2006-12-19 14:36:39 · answer #2 · answered by Nevada Pokerqueen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother put a comfortable reading chair and light in his daughter's room. He would read her a book and put her to bed with one she just wanted to look at. Then he'd go back to the chair, take out his own reading and enjoy a quiet, peaceful hour of reading every night. If he couldn't do it, his wife did.
Having an hour to read with no fuss and no distractions proved to be such a blessing that they kept it up even after their daughter no longer needed reassurance.
Uh, the child grew up to become a great reader. She also developed a habit of falling to sleep with a book over her face, but that's another story.
2006-12-19 14:31:55 · answer #3 · answered by loryntoo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Two year olds begin to explore more, and will as they get older. Them being afraid of little things is no big deal. Just show her reality. How can I explain show her how cute and happy Santa is. By shoeing kids the good side of things they become less scared.
2006-12-19 14:37:09 · answer #4 · answered by Ramona T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2 1/2 year old son who is the same way, He is scared of Chuck E. Cheese, going through a car wash, being tickled, being looked at for to long....ect it's just a phase they go through to get attention. Don't feed them the attention or it gets worse. Just tell her that everything is fine and to stop whining. Since we started doing that, our son has been alot better
2006-12-19 14:29:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be there for her. Ask her what is scaring her. Tell dad not to make santas voice because she is afraid. Is she teething? They still get teeth at that age.
2006-12-19 14:32:37 · answer #6 · answered by sofiedriskell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible that she had a recent traumatic experience?
I would seek out a professional psychological evaluation.
This is a sudden and dramatic change from her usual way of being.
2006-12-19 14:29:32 · answer #7 · answered by Emerald Sky 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ask her why she is scared and what of? then try to get her to go to sleep with you in the room.
2006-12-19 14:26:50 · answer #8 · answered by country girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋