Nervousness In Toddlers
A nervous toddler is usually a normal toddler. There are a great number of changes occurring during this phase of life, and it can be a little overwhelming for a little one to process. Changes like potty training, starting a new preschool/day care, separation anxiety and life stress are just a few things that can create a nervous toddler. Parents can help a child feel secure and stay well adjusted while maneuvering through the toddler years.
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Insecurity
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There are several things that can elicit nervousness in a toddler. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning says one cause of nervousness in a toddler is feeling detached from his parents. CSEFEL advises that detachment from the most important adults in his life creates increased levels of stress hormones in a toddler̵7;s brain. His brain then creates feelings of anxiety and nervousness that increase his distrust of the world. CSEFEL says a child needs parents and caregivers to respond to him with warmth, comfort and attentiveness. These things create a secure feeling within a child and will help lessen nervousness.
Just a Phase
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A degree of nervousness or fearfulness in toddlers is completely normal, according to the Public Broadcasting Service. In their publication, "The Whole Child," they outline fearfulness as a common trait of children ages 2 to 3 years. PBS also lists moodiness and self-awareness as occurring at this age. With all the physical and emotional changes a toddler is going through, these experts advise that nervousness is a common issue. Toddlers are becoming more independent, starting to toilet train; some are starting preschool or day care; and they are increasingly moving away from needing their parents so much. Toddlers are bound to experience some nervousness as they develop.
Life Stress
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Sometimes parents forget that the stresses that create anxiety in themselves also make for a nervous toddler. The website Kids Health says if there have been significant life changes in the household, like a parent losing a job, or marital discord, it will have an effect on a toddler. The children's health site advises parents to watch for signs of nervousness like nightmares, sudden thumb sucking, or changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Kids Health says these symptoms can indicate a toddler is suffering from nervousness due to stress in his environment.
Potty Training
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Many changes happen during the toddler years, and toilet training is one of them. Ask Dr. Sears suggests this can be a time of nervousness for toddlers. A toddler can exhibit nervousness due to a fear of the unknown of potty training, losing the diaper he has had his entire life and feeling a lack of control. As a way to regain control, toddlers have been known to refuse to use the toilet, which will create anxiety. Ask Dr. Sears recommends parents follow natural cues from their toddlers, go slowly with training and be sure their child is biologically ready for toilet training before pushing the issue. This, coupled with following a routine and patience, can help reduce toddler nervousness during toilet training.
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