To think a 18 month old can have anxiety issues

[tatty33]

I'm being silly aren't I? But it does really worry me when ds gets freaked out in certain situations. I woman he didn't know came into the house today, didn't try to pick him up or anything and he burst into tears and wouldn't leave me. Can often get upset in playgroups too.

Apart from not pushing him into doing something he doesn't wnat to do, is there anything I can do to make him feel more secure?

I think at 18 months they become aware that people they don't know are "strangers" and the safest place is mummy. Its ok and perfectly normal - just reassure that everything is ok and be at hand when needed.

dd was like this - especially round other children, who seemed to really scare her. She is now 2.8 and is definitely coming out the other side, much more confident and outgoing. Like you, I made sure I didn't push her into anything, kept taking her to playgroups etc but never forced her to participate.

It's quite normal for kids to feel a bit unsure about strangers at this age.

I CM an 18 month old, and he is also unsure about going to different places that he has never been to before.

Thanks, v reassuring.