ugh, I posted this on the wrong board ***child mentioned***

MelissaMiso

Edited because I had a "derf" moment. Sorry, ladies. I am over tired and meant to post this on my BMB. Of course I'd love suggestions from all my TTC a second (or third, or fourth...) child ladies on here:

Anyone's kid terrified of the vacuum?

Out of nowhere, and seemingly not prompted by any traumatic event, Sophia had suddenly developed a terror of the blender, vacuum, coffee grinder, or anything that plugs in and makes a similar noise. I'm talking run-in-her-bedroom, shut-the-door, close-and-cover-her-eye, "no no no no no" type of terrified. Don't know where this behavior came from or how to deal with it other than not use any of these things when she is home (yes, my floors are really dirty right now since we are rarely home without her here). Only thing I was thinking of is getting her toy versions of these appliances/tools that make play noises so she sees that they are not going to hurt her when mommy and daddy are using theirs.

Any other ideas? I pray this phase ends soon.

meredithcarole

I was afraid of power tools. I am sure she will grow out of it, but the toy versions might help.

kindershlitz

Mine was but all the sudden began to love it. Now I am requested to vacuum daily. I gave a lot of warnings and talked about the process- I'm plugging it in now, I'm turning it on, etc. I held him or he sat with DH for awhile. Honestly I think mostly he just grew out of it though. Not sure how old yours is but mine was terrified about 11-15 months old.

I agree with pp suggestion of the toy version for her so she's helping.

MelissaMiso

she's a little over 2. She even got nervous and wanted to go inside today when a propeller plane flew overhead today.

hooligans4

I don't think stopping using the appliances is going to help. She needs to see that even though they are loud they won't hurt her. Try hding her while you vacuum or turn on the blender. She will feel safe in your arms and realize nothing will hurt her.
She might be sensitive to the loud noise so give her a pair if headphones to wear. Eventually she will get used to it.
These things are tough because every child is different and what works for one may not work for another.

Hope this phase passes soon.