Fearful Toddler

My four year old step daughter is fearful of almost everything new... movies, foods, places, activities. For example, Friday night is movie and pizza night at our house, but if we put in a new children's movie, she hides and says she is frightened. At first I thought this was related only to movies that have something in them with big teeth, like the sharks in "Finding Nemo." I could understand that because she has been badly bitten twice by her mothers family's dog; but I have found that is not the case. Any thoughts on this?

[jdtm]

Please see my reply to your posting about your 7-year old stepdaugher.  I suspect you are dealing with anxiety - try googling phrases as "children and anxiety" or "toddlers and anxiety" or similar words/phrases to help you better understand this issue.  Anxiety is an inherited trait and so having children from the same family with the same mental health issue is not uncommon.  Anxiety is the most common mental health issue of children and is highly treatable.  Please contact your family physician or pediatrician for further advice on this issue.  If he/she is unable to help you, then ask for a referral to a medical specialist with experience in anxiety issues.  I wish you the best ....