The random fears of toddlers...

[badgerinapreviouslife]

DS is almost 28 months and I've some intriguing feedback from his nursery. He's a little hesitant around other children (which, mercifully, he's starting to get over) but he is absolutely terrified of a pair of identical twins.

We also can't watch any episodes of ITNG that involve Mr Pontipine being separated from his tache..

What random things are your small people afraid of?

DS2's most recent phobia is worms. His terror is almost as big as the pull to go outside, so he spends a fair amount of time in the doorway. Thanks to his big brother's funny jokes, I also no longer serve spaghetti ... halfway through one of the few meals everyone enjoys, and ds1 comes out with "look ds2, you have worms on your plate".

Eggs

Ds isn't scared of anything else but show him an egg in any form (except with the shell on - that's fine) and he backs away right to the furthest wall saying 'no mammy, eggs are very scary'

No idea where it's come from - he's 2.3

I forgot that dd is also scared shitless of the shower. We think it's because her first experience of it was when she'd been sick so she went absolutely hysterical, but she hates it. Our shower is in the en suite and she'll wander in there as long as the shower isn't on. Then you can ask her 'dd, are you going in the shower', and she'll say 'NO! And run off jon the opposite direction.

My DD is 28 months old, afraid of the potty, doesn't likes to be touched by other kids, and will scream if you offer her any food which isn't dry or isn't pasta. She is normal and very happy otherwise.

I remember being 3yo and having a "lovely" pair of Mary Jane style red shoes. I liked best wearing them undone on bare feet, but I remember freaking out when my mum tried to buckle them up; my feet felt trapped. But I didn't mind this if I was wearing socks.

Mine was terrified of the change tables in publix places too. Screaming hysteria. I had to change him on the floor or a bench.

Hand-driers, vacuum cleaners (both called 'noisies')
Fluff ffs
Next-door's scrappy little terrier - she also thinks he will eat her!

Dd2 used to be terrified of balloons. In restaurants people would try to give them to her and she would look utterly petrified and then scream the place down. She had never heard one burst, just didn't like the look of them. At 18mo she is now less terrified, but still eyes them with suspicion.

Ds1 (5yo) has recently developed a phobia of bees and wasps. I feel particularly bad about this as I have a phobia of wasps, but have tried very hard to resist the almost overwhelming urge to sprint away screaming when one comes near me in front of him. I am currently trying to convince him that bees are nice, they are furry, and they make honey. Wasps are just plain evil (not the description I use).

Ds1 has also had phobias regarding hand dryers - dd2 now has this - and having his hair washed. I swear the neighbours thought I was trying to drown him in the bath.

Btw I totally get the identical twin fear - "uh, there was one of you... now there are two of you... exactly the same... are there more of you?? Arrgh freak out!!" Perfectly sensible response.

My 18 month old was terrified of a spherical water feature in a beer garden recently. Kept pulling on my hand saying "no, no, no" and it took me a few minutes to figure it out.
So then mean old mummy got a picture of us both standing in front, DS sticking his lip out. Its a great picture

Ever since DS did his first poo in the bath, he is screamy scared of getting in. I have just about manage to convince him that the shower is ok

I wish DS was frightened of pooing in the bath. Every time I go out and DH is looking after him it always seems to end up in a dirty protest.

Cue appalled texts to the refrain of "he's had a log in the bath again".

Hand dryers
Washing machine
Shower

and bizarrely the picture of a sleeping bear in one of her books makes her have complete meltdown - no idea why (she is 18mo)