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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

My son hates buttons

10 replies

mrsm2 · 21/12/2005 22:26

Hope someone can help, since the age of about 2yrs my son has hated buttons, now there is nothing we have done to frighten him with buttons. He just hates anything to do with them, he screams if you try and put on a shirt say, Once I neally got away with a top with a couple of buttons on it, for almost 2 mins. he is now just over 4 and i am worried because next september he will be started school. And he could be the only kid with a t-shirt instead of a school shirt.
This is driving me crazy, I would love him to wear shirts or polo shirts. Would love to hear from anyone else with the same problem or like it. Thanks

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

thecattleareALOHing · 21/12/2005 22:28

My mum had a button phobia when she was small. It's not that uncommon I think.

blondehelen · 21/12/2005 22:30

I always hated buttons as a child, I hated the feel of them. My mum just used to tell me it was the uniform and basically tough luck. (my school was quite strict) Saying that, I still have an aversion to buttons now Sorry not much advice, but peer pressure will probably help in the school situation

Shimmers · 21/12/2005 23:13

Buy him a 'special' shirt with buttons from Father Christmas. Tell him it has special buttons that Father Christmas has made just for him (if he believes in him!). I would try and get him to put it or other button related clothing by rewarding him with non-food treats. ie. a trip somewhere, a book etc. Maybe try this once a week at first and then increase when you see he is becoming more confident. Then change the treat status to the end of the week.

??????????? Just a thought!!!

MrsFrostgetful · 21/12/2005 23:17

my son at 5 hid all his collared/buttoned tshirts...stuffed them betwwen his matress and the bed frame...he 'tolerates' a polo shirt for school- but has it changed within 5 minutes at home!

no advice...i gave up...and he now has NOTHING with buttons...

my 9 year old is autistic and bites his buttons off...but has never 'hated' buttons...just liked chewing them. (some kids i know chew their sleeves...)

tensing · 22/12/2005 00:47

How about taking your son to a haberdashery and letting him chose some special buttons for himself, animal shaped ones or blue ones, whatever he likes, swap them on his shirt and get him used to them that way.

philippat · 22/12/2005 07:36

support site for button phobia

MrsFrostgetful · 22/12/2005 10:43

this has really got me thinking...i assumed alex hated buttons as a 'sensory' thing...maybe he is phobic???

Original poster

mrsm2 · 22/12/2005 10:57

Thanks Shimmers I think i will give what you said a go.
Also Thanks to everyone else for your help.
have a brilliant xmas everyone
cheers

OP posts:

KimJ · 17/06/2006 17:24

Hi everyone on this thread.
My name is Kim Jones. I am a journalist who has just placed a posting on the media requests page of mumsnet (see posting entitled (WHAT'S YOUR CHILD SCARED OF?) as I am writing an article for a newspaper about children's everyday fears and phobias. I want to interview someone who has a child with a button phobia/fear/dislike - and I have read in your postings that this is the case for you. I wonder if you would be willing to talk more about it - and perhaps be included in the article. People that are included will be paid a thankyou fee by the newspaper. (by the way my own son has this phobia and that's why I wanted to write about it but I can't be included in the piece unfortunately! ) anyway would be great to hear from you - you can email me at [email protected]
Many thanks.

LCP · 14/08/2006 18:49

Hi All

I have read all the below threads and I am not a Mum but am and have always had a phobia of buttons. I don't understand it, I would love to know why but the advice I can offer is not to push it with your kids. This is a genuine aversion, they aren't being difficult and like me they might never grow out of it (I am 26). We might sound crazy, it is irrational but it's not something your children are making up and buying them something with smiley faces on the buttons to encourage them will in my opinion amplify the issue - I could think of anything more horrific! As they grow up they will be embarrassed of this and to instill at an early age that they are acting insanely isn't the way to go. Other than this aversion I am a rational, intelligent individual, if you can tell me why I hate buttons I would love to know where it stems from. I have had everyone I know try to explain that it's a left-over from a previous-life to a sign of autism!! Nothing sums it up and in the end you have to deal with it. As your kids get older they will just realise they are being irrational and cope in their own way - I slip shirts over my head and my husband has to iron them, whatever they find the best way to cope they will find it when they are older and can rationalise - just support them until then.

Kim if you are looking for an adult to chat to about this go ahead. In the same way, if you ever find out why do please post it! [email protected]

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