Toddler suddenly petrified of shadows

[MrsNormanBates]

Dc1 is 2 and has suddenly developed a massive fear of shadows. Have no idea where this has come from but borders on sheer terror and panic. It's really upsetting to watch. Happens at anytime in the day not just bedtime and don't know what to do to reassure and comfort. Any suggestions are gratefully appreciated!

My DS went through this at about the same age. He became funny about going to bed and when I asked him if something was wrong, he said it was the shadows - that he was scared of the shadows. So I explained that shadows were our friends - and did some silly shadow puppet shows against his wall (like duck ones quacking loudly in a silly way, birds flying etc) which he found really funny - and he eventually stopped being scared. Worked for me so maybe try that! I think it lasted about two weeks.

hand shadowy ideas here

Yes my DS has just come through the same thing! We talked a lot about shadows and light and how it works. I made a big deal out of how much fun you can have with shadows and eventually he got over it. It did take a few weeks though and he had quite a few nightmares in that time about shadow men.

We don't have a problem with shaddows but he developed a fear of noises outside, we live in an old block of flats where the close is stone and echo's so everytime people were coming in or out of there doors he heard the banging and thought it was monsters. I just had to explain it was the neighbours and he's better now I'd go with the shaddow puppet ideas