A few months ago at Maggie’s toddler class, during mommy time, we were discussing how somebody’s kid was having nightmares and how to handle it.  A lot of the moms chimed in with similar experiences they were going through.  I listened, and that was about it.  I had absolutely zero to add because I hadn’t gone through any of this.  My my how the tables have turned.  A few weeks ago, Maggie started going through this “I’m scared” phase.  She is afraid of the most random things.  Deer, which were so much fun to see are suddenly scary to her.  We have a long driveway, but when I take her out of the car, she would grab my leg and tell me she didn’t want the cars to get her.

None of these fears are causing her to not do things, but she definitely grabs my leg and says, “I don’t want xxxx to get me” quite a bit.  I’m sure there are a lot of other moms of 2 year olds {or older}  going through this.

Here are some things you can do to help your little ones handle their fears.

1.  Give them ways to control it.  Some examples may be telling the monsters to leave them alone.  Telling whatever they fear that it can’t hurt them.  One mom even gave her son a spray bottle with glitter in it to spray the monsters away.

2.  Give them information to help them overcome their fear.  If there fear is something real like going to a hospital or getting a shot, explain, in simple terms, what is happening or going to be happening.  They will be less uncertain about what is happening and it could help them feel more in control.

3.  Help them overcome their fear gradually through exposure in some situations can be helpful.  If you are nearby and they are afraid of dogs, for example, holding them and letting them choose to pet the dog can help them overcome that fear.

4.  Reassure them that they are safe.

5.  Having a lovie or some sort of security object can help.

Each week, we are linking up for Tuesday’s Toddler Tales.  This week we are talking about toddler/childhood fears.  Next week we are sharing our kids’ favorite sassy moments.  Link up any old or new post as long as it is on topic.  It would be awesome if you posted the button on your post too.

Do your little ones have fears?  How do you help them handle them?  And please share some future post ideas!