21 Month Old Scared of Everything All of a Sudden...

I think it's normal though it wasn't quite to that extent with my son. Keep reassuring him. Maybe cut down on TV/movies for a few weeks? And stories with monsters? Also, just to ease your mind I would call the pediatrician and tell him/her and make sure it's ok. As I said, I'm pretty sure it's normal even to the extent you are describing but always best to check with the doctor. Make sure the news aren't on when he's around and stuff like that that I'm sure you are already doing. Keep us posted.

Yes, my first daughter did it for several months around age one and my second daughter started around 15 months and still is having some issues at 20 months (she seems to be a little more sensitive). Airplans, dumptrucks, men talking loudly, the doorbell, daddy opeing the door after work... I think it is normal, and the best to do is to acccept it and give commfort. He won't always be this way, and it foretells nothing of the type of boy or man he will be. He is showing smarts to be wary of his environment. He is testing his security - everytime you hug him and say "It's okay" you are teaching him he is indeed safe. Try not to make a big deal out of his fears, but dont' ignore them. It comes on suddenly and leaves as suddenly too. And believe it or not, you will one day miss the cuddles! Since he gets flustered in the tub, makesure you are never more than an arm's reach away (as you should be anyway).

Good for you for recognizing and acknowledging that his fear is genuine and not just a way to get attention (though kids are good at that too!). Just hold him whenever he wants it -- it only does him good. With older children you can help them work through the specifics of their fears but with a child this young, talking too much about it can reinforce the fear, I found. Do ask what scared him but don't try to go into too much detail or talk him out of being afraid; just say something like, "I know, you're right, that doorbell is SO loud, isn't it? I jumped too. Let's cuddle." And then distract him with a book or toy. Also, be sure other adults or caregivers don't mock him for being afraid, as in "A big boy wouldn't be so scared!" etc. I've seen this happen and it makes the child feel so much worse.

This is a totally normal thing and could go on for a while, and please be aware that as time goes on he may no longer be able to go to sleep and stay asleep just fine like he does now -- nightmare age is upon you too, and nightmares are also normal and also will be a phase that could go on for a while. Like someone else said, be sure that if he does watch any TV (and I think 21 months is too young for TV, but that's us) be sure it's extra-gentle--even Winnie the Pooh's Halloween movie scared my daughter when she was older than your son and we immediately put it away. Kids' minds are very tender little sponges at this age and for a long time to come, and what seems so innocuous to us can be quite scary to them.

His imagination is probably starting to grow - which can be scary!! He also probably loves the attention he gets from you...sometimes, when they get older, they like to pretend to be scared and tell scary stories...my DSD used to tell a story to us about a 'monster chair' and would get all dramatic about it...so cute! She used to be scared of bugs, and freak out if I tried to show her a roli poli, but I just assured her they were harmless and didn't make a big deal about it - now she is fine with them - she grew out of it so I'm sure it will be fine for your son too.:)

I don't have any solutions but my daughter is going through the same thing right now! We watched a live puppet show yesterday and she was jumping every time the sound adjusted between the characters. It'll be interesting to see what other replies you get. :)

It's a big world out there and your son is becoming more aware of it. Around 2 - 2 1/2 is about when they start having nightmares for the first time. I look at it as a developmental stage with a wide range of what passes for normal. Some kids develop elaborate rituals for checking for monsters under the bed. Some need night lights, and protective stuffed animals. When he gets startled, talk to him about it. Ask him about what is it that scares him so much. Be calm, tell him you'd never let anything harm him, and sometimes when you hear a bird and he asked what it was, tell him you don't know either and let's take a look together to find out. Engage his curiosity. Pretend you are brave explorers and make a fun game out of it. He'll grow out of it eventually, but you can teach him how to explore his fears and find out what he can do to face them.

yup, it's a developmental phase. he's becoming aware of the world outside of himself, and that's one of life's sobering moments! just be reassuring and above all calm so he learns that he really can cope with all of these bewildering things.
khairete
S.