Fears in a 22 month old

by Simi
(Indiana)

I take my 22 month old daughter to the library every week. She seems to do fine in the larger room where the children do their own things and the parents are more off to the side, simply watching their children. But for some reason, when I try to take her to the smaller room where the parents are interacting with their children for Toddler Time and there is music playing slightly loudly, she cries as if she is scared.


I have tried leaving, and then coming back with her. I have even tried holding her, but she cries the whole time. Is this some sort of anxiety? Or just a phase? Thank you!

Dear mom:

If your child only responds in this way in this one situation, I would not be concerned about anxiety. It may be that the sound of the music is too loud or that there is something particularly about that space that is disturbing to her.


Fear of strangers and loud noises are common during this age and is absolutely normal. The fear itself is not pathological or concerning for most children and will pass. Also, it may be that the adults, who appear very large and can be scary to a 22 month old, are too overwhelming in her space and the parents being off to the side is not quite so intimidating.



Some upcoming fears that are considered normal from ages 2-3 are fear of the dark, high places, and yes, even toilets!!


One thing that may be important for you to know is that if you pay too much attention to these fears, it can reinforce them for your child and can cause them to be worse or to become a vehicle for your child to get attention. Unless your child is having other issues, I think it would be fine to stick with the larger room and periodically try the small room.