Babies aged 6–18 months are most likely to exhibit stranger anxiety, or fear of strangers. At this point, babies frequently exhibit dread or anxiety while facing strangers. Babies may cry, fuss, hide, or cling to their parents.
Fear of strangers normally fades by the age of two. However, if your child continues to experience it, you have to know how to deal with it.
Is it Normal for Children to Be Afraid of Strangers?
Although stranger anxiety is most common between the ages of 6 and 18 months, older children may have similar symptoms. This is more likely to occur if children have had negative experiences with strangers in the past, making them cautious of new people.
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How to Help Toddlers Cope with Stranger Anxiety
As a child grows, their anxiety or fear of strangers normally disappears. Here are some helpful strategies, nevertheless, if your child continues to show fear or nervousness around strangers:
Introduce gently
In a secure and relaxed environment, introduce yourself to strangers. Avoid introducing your child to strangers without previous preparations. You can first show your child the picture, or you can have them watch it from a distance. Let your child have some time to get used to it.
Stay calm and be positive
Children often react to the feelings of their parents. If you remain calm and positive when meeting strangers, your child will feel calmer. In general, children copy your attitude as well.
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Do not force children to interact
Forcing children to contact directly with strangers can increase their nervousness. Allow your child to decide when he feels safe speaking to strangers.
If they are not ready to shake hands, hug, or converse, don't force it. Every child adapts to the presence of strangers in their own unique way.
Engage strangers in conversation
When your child begins to feel more at ease, consider letting strangers join them in their play activities. For example, by clapping his hands, demanding him to sing, or offering to help him with toys. Kids will learn that strangers don't have to be scary and can actually make great friends through constructive interactions.
Provide emotional support
When your child expresses fear or worry around strangers, provide emotional support by relaxing them. Hug your child, speak softly, and assure them that you will still be there to protect them. Emotional support will make children feel more secure and confident in new environments.
If your child shows severe fear that does not go away as they get older, you can either visit a doctor, a psychologist, or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Raising Children (2022). Fear of strangers: babies and young children. Available from: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/behaviour/common-concerns/fear-of-strangers
Jennifer Kelly Geddes (2021). How to Deal with Stranger Anxiety. Available from: https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler-behavior/toddler-stranger-anxiety.aspx
Wendy Wisner (2024). If Your Child Gets Stranger Anxiety, These Strategies Could Help. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/stranger-anxiety-8601207
Deborah M. Consolini (2022). Separation Anxiety and Stranger Anxiety. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/separation-anxiety-and-stranger-anxiety
