Top 10 Toddler Fears

Toddlers exhibit many fears, and it can be tough to know how to reassure them of their safety. We talked to Dr. Ayelet Talmi, associate director of child development and infant health at The Children's Hospital in Denver, about the most common toddler fears and what you can do to help your child through his insecurities. Plus, she has tips on raising a child capable of managing fear.

By Tara Richards

Dreamstime

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Fear: The Dark

What He's Thinking: I can't see what's out there and I feel unprotected in the dark.

How to Help: Most children are afraid of the dark on some level -- it's a very common fear of the unknown. To combat this fear, try teaching your child how to turn on lights around the house, and add a night-light to his bedroom. "Allow your children to control the amount of light they have on when they go to sleep and gradually decrease it over time," Dr. Ayelet Talmi suggests. Help your child understand darkness by going on a night walk together and discussing all the new and interesting things you can see when it's dark.

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Comments (7)

anonymous wrote:

sure looks like or maybe he was in to something he shouldn't have been!!

4/12/2011 03:06:44 PM Report Abuse

mgatranslate wrote:

I think that moms and/or chid care providers/ just have to really get to know our children and notice any sign of anxiety they display --explore and be watchful. In adding to grandma's comment....I notice that my 18mnth old grandson covers his eyes when he's going to sleep in his room. I gather that means he's ok without the light although I suggested my daughter get a night light for him in the past.

6/27/2010 04:26:22 PM Report Abuse

2makeshiftwings wrote:

I tell my kids the dark is afraid of them. We don't read scary books, we don't watch scary tv. We don't use words like fear and scared. We don't feed fear. We pray over their rooms and we create an environment of peace and love. What's to fear then?

6/21/2010 09:45:26 AM Report Abuse

mgatranslate wrote:

my grandchild has slept in the dark since he was born. I always thought that he might need a 'night light', but so far so good. He's 18 months now.

6/11/2010 10:44:43 AM Report Abuse

nyyce_gal wrote:

That wouldnt work for me, as a 25 year old mother Im still scared of the dark.

6/11/2010 10:10:40 AM Report Abuse