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Toddler scared of outside noises

4 replies

BronzeFennel · 11/03/2021 10:50

I have a 18month old DD who has never been too worried about noises etc. However we were out on a walk last week and two fighter jets flew quite low over us. They were obviously very loud and DD was pretty scared at the time. She cried a bit but then calmed down but still seemed a bit scared for the rest of the walk.

But since then she was been really worried by noises from outside the house, as I think she thinks they are plane noises again. She will often be playing happily then hear something and run over to me upset. It's been particularly bad the last couple of days as the wind has been so strong and loud.

I'm just after a bit of advice as to how to handle this? As I don't want to make it into a big thing and make her think that there is something to be worried about but equally I feel I have to reassure her each time she's upset. Obviously I try and explain that it's just wind/car/plane and she does know what these things are to an extent but clearly she's still only little and doesn't fully understand what's making the noise.

Is it just a phase that will pass? Do I keep reassuring her and trying to make her understand or do I try to ignore it and jolly her along with another activity each time?

Thanks

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TooMinty · 11/03/2021 15:53

I'd go with a combination of the two approaches - a quick cuddle/reassurance "it's ok it's just a noisy car, must have a big engine!" then distract and move on. So you are acknowledging she is upset and offering a bit of comfort but not going over the top and making a big thing of it. Then in time she'll probably forget/get over it. Mine hated hand dryers at that age, gradually got used to the noise.

DimidDavilby · 11/03/2021 15:54

Don't make a worried face at her when she is upset. Happy smiley reassuring quickly then distraction. She'll soon forget!

BronzeFennel · 11/03/2021 20:48

Thank you both. I will stick with trying to reassure but in a positive way and move on quickly. I wasn't sure whether even acknowledging it was causing her to think it's an issue but it doesn't seem right to not to.

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TooMinty · 11/03/2021 21:22

Fingers crossed she gets over it quickly x

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