DD 5yrs terrified of boys

[Miss H]

DD is in Pre-primary going to Year 1 next year. She has always had an unnatural fear of boys but it seems to be getting worse. She hides away during break times at school so no boys can come near her. She will even lock herself in the toilet. I do parent help on a Friday and see how she cowers behind me when the other kids run around. I don't know what to do about it anymore. She absolutely loves her Dad, and has no problem with him. She only has a sister though. But is it natural to be so terrified of other children? She plays with girls but only in small groups and if in a confined area with no boys around. She has a friend who comes to visit who has a 2 year old brother. She hides away from him too even though he is so much smaller than her. What can I do?

[MissM]

Hi There Miss H

This could be something she grows out of. Has something happened to her that made this fear? Have you addressed the fear with her? How does she go in class time? Does she sit near a boy? I can tell you, my DD1 when a baby would SCREAM at the top of her lungs if she heard a mans voice. It used to take me 15-20 mins to calm her down and she was around her 2 uncles all the time. She obviously grew out of it, but still at age 9 feels insecure when she hears a really deep male voice.

[Blixie]

Sorry i have no advice, but your poor little miss and poor you having to see her be so scared. Hope someone can give you some helpful ideas

[littlelara]

What does her teacher say?

[Miss H]

Her teacher says she must face her fears! I think she is too young too face her fears!

[AnyDream]

I think it might be helpful to get some professional help to help your dd learn to manage her anxiety before it generalises.

[Miss H]

I'm not sure what to do. She had a panic attack when we saw a man dressed in a cat costume at the Perth Royal Show. A full on panic attack. She has a phobia for people in suits and clowns, crowds, loud people, boys etc. I don't know if I should take her to a child psychologist or not. I also suffer anxiety and am medicated for it and it runs heavily in my family. Not sure what to do.

[Phteven]

It's always better to intervene early if you can.

[Amity]

I'd definitely take her to a psychologist

[surprised]

I'd take her to a psychologist hun. There are some great ones who specialise in children and are able to relate really well to them. Can you get a care plan from your GP to help with the cost?

[MrsBexie]

Poor little darling! I agree that taking her to a child pyschologist is probably a good idea, especially if anxiety runs in the family.

Big hugs for her! Xx


Sent from my iPhone so sorry for the spelling and punctuation!!

[MissM]

How's everything going Miss H?

[Miss H]

We have good days and bad days. I'm trying to be very supportive and slowly encourage certain things that she fears so that she will get used to them. I have changed school for next year and hope the teachers there will be more supportive to her needs. I'm hoping she will grow out of it once she gets older and gets more confident, but if I see it start to affect her personality or school work then I will get professional help. She is doing very well at the moment in school as she is one of the youngest in the class but one of the top performers so she must be coping ok.

[MissM]

Great to hear she's feeling more comfortable hopefully the new school is more supportive for you both. Wishing you both all the best!