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Button phobia at 3yr?!

8 replies

Elsqueak · 26/07/2012 16:30

Dd 3yrs has developed a problem with buttons. Doesn't mind press studs, fabric covered buttons or hole-free ones but most other buttons make her back away. She won't touch them. Sometimes I've cut them off if possible. Poor Dh has to remove work shirt before she goes near him. I am wondering whether she will grow out of it or not as am considering treating this now ie some sort of therapy to nip it in the bud so she doesn't have a lifetime of fear because I was hoping it was just a phase. I just don't know why this has happened. I can't think of anything significant to have set her off. Has anyone's dc had this and grown out of it? I didn't know about this phobia before but as she's only 3yrs I don't want to pigeon hole her this early. Any advice gratefully received.

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lolalotta · 26/07/2012 17:27

My niece developed a fear of buttons around the same age, just on her own clothing though, not on other peoples...'y sister stopped buying clothes with buttons on! I'm not sure if she grew out of it...I can try and find out if you like? xxx

Elsqueak · 27/07/2012 10:03

Thanks Lolalotta, would be good to know. I don't know whether to worry or see what happens. Such an odd thing.

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fatmummy35 · 27/07/2012 18:24

My DS and his best friend both had the same issue. They've both just got over it and they are 7. They were both the same and hated all buttons including the ones which come on adjustable waisted trousers.

Elsqueak · 29/07/2012 09:05

Thanks Fat, I really hope it's a phase. I did wonder if it was a control issue at one point as she's always trying to dominate any situation. I probably shouldn't have Googled it as I read some really sad stories about it ruining people's lives.

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brettgirl2 · 29/07/2012 09:57

My sister in law is phobic about buttons...

CeCeMazycktowinparaolympicgold · 29/07/2012 09:59

I am 45 and haven't grown out of mine.

However, it has improved a bit now. I have had some exposure to them due to DCs school uniform, so now can sort of go near them. However, really really don't like to touch them.

DawnOfTheDee · 29/07/2012 10:01

I have a friend who's button phobic. The bigger the button the more scared he is of it. He is 32.

Elsqueak · 30/07/2012 10:25

Hmm, thanks for all your replies. I'll research it a bit more and see what happens.

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