Sand, dirt, mess phobia ... OK maybe not phobia but DD2 'doesn't like it' ...

[wishingchair]

Went for a walk in the country yesterday and she wouldn't even walk on a non-concreted surface. Went to the beach the other day, wouldn't walk on the sand, even with her shoes on. Wouldn't even touch it. She'll walk on grass but hesitates in bare feet.

She's nearly 2. DD1 was never like this ... she'll happily get buried up to her neck in sand, make mud pies, get generally filthy and will love it. Yet again, I'm amazed at how different they are.

So, what can I do to help DD2 get over this. We're going to get the sand pit out so she can get used to it in her own time. Anythign else? Anyone else's child been like this and was it a phase?

[GustWriter]

I don't think you need to help her get over it - its clearly just that she's cautious of new things which is an official "sign of intelligence" - she'll get messy when she's ready, I'm sure.

[wishingchair]

Ahhh, now I didn't know it meant she was a genius in the making

[olyoly]

My dd (nearly 3) is the same. I have to carry wet wipes everywhere to clean her off and clean off the tables/chairs in cafes. We have a sand pit in our yard, and she loved it right away. But she needs a bath the MINUTE she is done playing in it!

[Elibean]

Its the age of fears, dd1 went through several 'phobias' which went away on their own.

dd2 is 19 months, and screams at ants, flies, dirt, etc. OTOH she is quite happy to get covered in anything chocolatey, or grub around in dirt for small stones, which she loves

Only semi-genius, clearly