Stranger suspicion in 2 year old

[UserXx123]

Hi all,

My daughter has always been shy and sensitive but over the past couple of months has become extremely scared of strangers, this includes other children.

When walking she’ll hide behind my leg and want to be picked up if a stranger is coming close or walking past in a supermarket, even if they’re not even looking at us.

At the park she won’t play on any toddler equipment that another child is playing on and will run away and cry if they do or if anyone comes close to her.

When paying at a till she’ll hide by getting my hair and putting it in front of her face or putting her hands over her eyes.

Just wondered if anyone had been through the same thing, I’ve tried to ignore it and just pick her up when she wants to be picked up and I’ve tried keeping on saying “it’s ok” but nothing seems to work.

Thanks

When had this with both our children. Can’t remeber how old but definitely older than one and younger than three. Our eldest in particular used to hide his face in his hands and refuse to look. He once spent two hours straight with his face over his hands. With both it resolved on its own.

Just carry on doing what you're doing, pick her up and reassure her. If you respond sensitively and consistently to her fears, she will eventually learn the world is a safe place and will feel safe to explore ths world, strangers included.

Thankyou, any idea of how long it lasted?