23 MO scared of everything! Will it get better??

[IWillOnlyEatBeans]

DS is 23 months.

Over the past 6 months or so, he has gradually become scared of more and more things. Ladybirds, flies, pigeons, squirrels, geese, sheep, dogs, fluff (!!), cats - the list is endless! I can clearly remember over the summer he was more than happy to pick up ladybirds and examine them, chase pigeons and squirrels, feed the geese etc so I am not sure what has happened...

The only one that makes any sense really is dogs, as he was knocked off his feet by dogs on two occasions within a relatively short space of time.

I am trying to be patient and encouraging but sometimes my patience wears a bit thin. We went to a local city farm today with some success (by the end of the visit he would walk holding my hands rather than asking to be carried) but when we got home he was inconsolable as there was a feather on the hall floor (note to self - must hoover after posting this!)

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can help with this, or is it just a normal toddler stage? All his little friends appear to be fearless!

Thanks!

I think it will pass, don't worry. My eldest went through a really similar stage and it was hard work. She is nearly 3 now and she has come out the other side now, but I noticed that my 18 month old is starting to show signs of being scared of things that never would have bothered her before.

I think they just get to a point where they start to understand that some things can hurt them, some things are scary etc. Lots of reassurance and cuddles, it will pass. With DD1 it really seemed to help her to explain that its ok to be frightened, everybody gets frightened sometimes.

Yes I think the majority will pass but you may find you have a more sensitive soul on your hands. Happened with my DD who is now nearly 4.
I think she may have a slight auditory hypersensitivity as she still hates loud or sudden noises but it's so much easier than it was. Used to be I couldn't Hoover as she was terrified.

Stripy Yes, one of the first things my previously brave 18 month old was suddenly frightened of was the hoover, my house is a lot less clean all of a sudden because I can't hoover without a full scale breakdown on my hands!

Thanks for the reassurance!

Yes, the hoover is a cause of some distress, but I tend to wait until he's asleep - he'll sleep through it luckily!

Stripy you may be right - noises do seem to play a part. A donkey ee-ored (??) next to him once and he was hugely upset! Although that doesn't explain the fluff etc...

Glad to know it will pass eventually!

My ds2 is the same age and also scared of fluff. Also the cat, the monkey in toy story 3, and a very unthreatening dragon toy he has got. I am assuming it won't last.

My dd went through a monsters under the bed stage;is fine now but would only be able to get to sleep if my DS (15) would check under bed. Not mummy or daddy or my DS twin sister...had to be my son. She is fine now though. Just constant reasurance, hugs and he'll be fine

*reassurance