Anyone else had a child who needs to "hide"

[fryalot]

Every so often, she needs to be on her own so she will hide under the dining table. When she does this, we generally leave her alone and let her come out in her own time.

For the first time today, she did it in public and had to hide in a corner at Tumbletots.

What worries me is will this teach her to deal with her emotions by hiding? Will she be the girl whose b/f leaves her so she retreats to her bedroom with a bottle of vodka?

Anybody got any experience of this?

Any words of wisdom?

DS1 does it sometimes. He gets a bit overwhelmed and goes and sits or stands in the hall. Their lies are quite full-on, really - learning new things, expected to join in and behave, etc, etc. I'd want to hide if I was a toddler, I think

I think the way you are handling it is perfect - leaving her to it, not trying to cajole her into coming out.

Their lives, not their lies!

I used to shut myself in walk in cupboards with the lights off

I agree, let her do her little thing, she is hurting anyone, she is safe. Not like hiding in a cupboard and not telling anyone. She is learning to cope with her emotions. Just talk to her casually, while you do things and as she hides, so she know you are around and not cross with her for doing it.

Iklboo - that wasn't directed at you. you posted at same time. I am sure you are a well adjusted adult and it did you no harm.

Thanks, guys.

She does know I'm not cross with her. She hears me telling the rest of the family that she needs a bit of time and to leave her alone. We tend not to make a fuss when she comes out, just let her join in when she's ready.

Glad this is normal behaviour.

Sounds like you are doing the right thing to me.

just re-read those cross posts.

Glad you can also make me laugh.

lol wotz

DS hides under our prayer sinks (cleanliness is next to godliness doncha know)

(no we're not some wierd cult, just live in an islamic house so have prayer sinks and a prayer room)

tbh I know the feeling. quite often, if I'm fast enough to avoid toddler accompaniment, I LOCK the bathroom door and sit on the floor for five mins peace.

I'm sort of well adjusted - and I'm not afraid of the dark!

Sometimes DS gets very shy and tells us all not to look at him - he gets quite distressed if we do. I think it must be quite overwhelming being so little at times.

thank you for sharing these with me. Dd1 was always outgoing and I've never come across this before.

I used to hide in the airing cupboard and shut the door in the dark. Don't know why, I wasn't disturbed or anything

I was very outgoing too.

just a tought........
My DS hides when he needs to poo in his nappy!!!!
We've hit toilet training stage and apparently it is quite common for them to hide rather than tell ou they need to go....

DS used to do that too, slim. It was so funny (except for the knowing that I'd have to change a nappy part)!

DS hides when things get too much - especially when he's angry. He really can't cope with being looked at when he is angry so hides away on his own to calm down.