My 2 year old won’t walk outside.

[Lauren260696]

In recent weeks, my toddler (2yrs 3mnths) has developed a fear of walking outside.
He usually likes walking my older child to school, and now he won’t even walk from the house to the car. Not even holding hands, it’s like he’s afraid, he even holds on to the closest object he can find or grips onto my clothing?

any ideas why?

Could it be a Proprioception/ depth perception difficulty? I have worked with children who wouldn’t walk over a black line on the floor or tape on a carpet. They were unable to tell if there was a drop as if it was a kerb.

Inside the floors will be level and even whereas outside there are slopes, steps, uneven pavements etc. Could he have jarred himself on a kerb leading to him being fearful? Has he stumbled or fallen outside at all? Possibly he has just become more aware of potential hazards outdoors?

If it was a balance or middle ear problem you’d expect the same inside.
Can you identify any other differences such as new shoes?