mera 2 years ka baby kisi bhi anjan ko dekh kr bahot zada rota hai chup he nahi hota h bahot zada darta hai .kya ye normal hai

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is quite normal for a two-year-old to cry or become upset when they see strangers. This behavior is typically a part of a child's developmental phase known as "stranger anxiety."

### **What is Stranger Anxiety?**

Stranger anxiety is a common developmental stage that usually occurs in infants and toddlers between 6 months and 3 years of age. During this stage, children may become fearful, anxious, or distressed around unfamiliar people. It is a normal part of cognitive and emotional development as children start to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar faces and develop strong attachments to their primary caregivers.

### **Why Does Stranger Anxiety Happen?**

1. **Attachment Development**: As children develop stronger attachments to their parents or primary caregivers, they become more aware of strangers. This awareness can make them feel uncomfortable or scared when faced with unfamiliar people.

2. **Cognitive Development**: At around two years of age, children are still developing their understanding of the world around them. They have limited experience with strangers and may not yet have the ability to assess whether a new person is a threat or not.

3. **Fear of the Unknown**: Young children are naturally wary of anything unknown or unfamiliar, including people they do not recognize.

### **How to Help Your Child Cope with Stranger Anxiety**

1. **Reassurance**: Comfort your child and provide reassurance when they encounter strangers. Hold them or stay close to them to provide a sense of security.

2. **Gradual Exposure**: Gradually introduce your child to new people in a comfortable environment. Start with small gatherings and slowly increase the number of new faces they see.

3. **Positive Reinforcement**: Praise your child when they interact calmly with strangers or become more comfortable around them. Positive reinforcement can encourage more confident behavior.

4. **Routine and Familiarity**: Maintain a familiar routine when introducing new people. For example, if a relative is visiting, have them play with your child's favorite toy or participate in a familiar activity.

5. **Respect Your Child's Comfort Level**: Don’t force interactions. Allow your child to warm up to strangers at their own pace. Pushing them too quickly can increase anxiety.

6. **Model Calm Behavior**: Show your child that you are comfortable around new people. Children often take cues from their parents, so displaying calm and friendly behavior can help them feel more secure.

### **When to Seek Help**

While stranger anxiety is generally a normal part of development, if your child's fear seems excessive, persists beyond the typical age range, or interferes significantly with daily activities or social interactions, it may be helpful to speak with a pediatrician or a child psychologist for additional guidance and support.

Overall, stranger anxiety is a common and normal phase in early childhood, and most children outgrow it with time and reassurance.