Many mom’s have child development questions regarding their child’s behavior towards strangers.
“Stranger suspicion” is very common during the toddler years. With mere pinches to cheeks, kisses and tickles, adults can be invading their privacy and making toddlers fearful. Most of the time children “grow out” of this phase.
• Don’t push. Respect you toddler’s fears and don’t force your toddler to interact with adults.
• Comfort your toddler. Help your child feel safe by holding hands, hugging and reassuring them.
• Don’t tease. Making fun of your toddler because they are afraid will make them feel ashamed.
• Give your toddler experiences out in the world. Seeing people while in your company may help your toddler get used to a variety of people.
• Introduce a new person gradually. Let you toddler visit with the new person a few times with you there for comfort.
• Explain your toddler’s fears to grandparents. Reassure grandparents that by taking things slow and not pushing themselves on the child by kissing and hugging, then their grandchild will have time to get reacquainted with them.
• Trust your Toddler. If your toddler really protests or becomes unusually upset when in the company of a specific adult, they may really feel threatened and unsafe. Evaluate if you want this person hanging around your child.
If you have child development questions about your baby contact DeAnn Davies, Healthy Steps Specialist with Phoenix Children's Hospital, at (602) 546-0235 or visit http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/about/community-outreach-education/healt...
This material was developed by Boston University for use of Healthy Steps for Young Children with Financial Support from The Commonwealth Fund and other funders.
Allison Bell
Media Relations Specialist
Phoenix Children's Hospital
1919 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
abell@phoenixchildrens.com
Phone 602-546-0824
www.phoenixchildrens.com
