toddler fears please help me!!

My toddler is afraid of noise (specifically of trucks/cars/motorcycles/lawn mowers/landscapers). And bugs.

All of it is outside. We are inside.

When she sees a bug on the window she won't go near it. When she hears a noise, she runs to the couch and whines that she is scared.

I've tried explaining the difference between outside and inside and how she is safe. I've tried walking her to the window while holding my hand and showing her she doesn't need to be scared of the bugs. I explained that bugs are good and how bees help pollinate the flowers. I've explained the noise outside is just cars and when she hears it she should say vroom vroom. Or if a bug is bothering her too shake her hands and sing shoo fly dont bother me (she loves music). I've explained noise helps us hear what is outside when we are inside and can't see it. I've explained how the landscapers and lawn mowers help keep the grass pretty and makes it nice - that it is a good positive thing. I've taken her out to see the guys working and she has waved to them, they have waved back.

She is still fear ridden every second of every day if she sees a bug or hears a noise she doesn't like outside.

I feel like I have tried every technique. I am not sure what I am supposed to do to help her conquer these fears. She is not very fearful in much else. She is strong and brave and outgoing so it is very strange to me that she is so scared of this.

PLEASE HELP ME!!!

toddler fears please help me!!

I think you have handled it in a great way. I would keep explaining it like you have. It may just be a phase. I know my DD had a phase where she was also afraid of loud noises...now that she is older she doesn't. GL!

Message edited 5/14/2015 12:21:59 PM.

Re: toddler fears please help me!!

Message edited 7/20/2015 7:36:40 AM.

Re: toddler fears please help me!!

My girls are going through this somewhat. A helicopter, dog next door, one is scared of bugs now. I just say "it's ok, it's just a ...." And continue with what we were doing I don't play into it.

Re: toddler fears please help me!!

My 3 year old was afraid of everything. Bunnies in our backyard are "coming to get her". We would tell her no, they are more afraid of you then you of them. We didn't force anything on her. She's 5 now and much better. She still has things that she doesn't like but if she holds my hand she's ok. Like she will let dogs now, where she wouldn't go near one a year ago

Re: toddler fears please help me!!

I was terrified of the wind at that age. I can clearly remember it, I really thought people would blow away. I didn't even want my mom to go outside if it was too windy. I also loved watching Mary Poppins, so that might have something to do with it. I did get over it eventually.

I would just keep reassuring her that it won't hurt her, show her that you're not scared.

toddler fears please help me!!

def a phase!! my dd is almost 3. all of a sudden she keeps asking " whats that noise? ". she will ask this 100 times per day! lol. shes not really afraid of the noise just very curious...anything and everything. I explain to her what the noise was and she will still repeat.

toddler fears please help me!!

Yes DS just turned 3 and is afraid of everything. DD is 2 next week and is afraid of nothing.