Help why is my 4 year old doing this???

Question

Right well just recently my 4 year old daughter is petrified when a man she doesn't know or hasn't seen for a while comes near her. She can't get out of the room fast enough and screams the place down. She gets really worried if she hasn't got an escape (i.e. we are at a friends and their husband comes home). I don't know why she is being like this but i am becoming quite worried. My other daughter never did this when she was younger.

Answer 1

There could be a variety of reasons. Have you tried asking her? There's a possibility that there is a male adult that is abusing her (sexually or physically). Does she spend any time alone with any male friends or relatives? It's a terrible thing to even think about, but you must for the safety of your child. Try to pay attention to see if she seems worse on days where she's spent time away from home, and who she was with. If you do suspect abuse you should have her examined by a doctor. Hopefully this is just a confusing stage and nothing more serious.  

Answer 2

Um. I don't know but  usuallywhen you hear storys like that on the news the kids are scared beacuse they have been abused by a man. Maybe she has been abused or seen some one abused by a man so she sacred of man?

Answer 3

It really sounds like she may of been molested or even raped. You need to pay attention to how she acts around certain people (not just men in general). You should put up a camera where your daughter spends most of her time,including her bedroom. Does she only do that when your brother in law is around? Or with every man? Maybe she saw a cartoon or movie that scared her and makes her feel uncomfortable around certain people.  I only say that because you said she was afraid of his long hair. But if it's just him she's afraid of,then he may of done something to her. Be careful

Answer 4

I would hate to think that she has been abused? Maybe talk to her doctor?? A child psychologist also....

Answer 5

You MIGHT want to ask your husband...

Or maybe it was something she saw on TV?

At any rate, this is something to be concerned about as it can lead to issues later in her life.

Answer 6

maybe she is scared of men.

try talking to her that she shouldn't talk to strangers

and its ok if she talks to people you know.

Answer 7

THAT DOESN'T SOUND GOOD AT ALL. PERHAPS THERE WAS SOME FORM OF ABUSE FROM A STRANGER(OBVIOUSLY A MALE) OR A PERCIEVED ABUSE. I REALLY DON'T KNOW, BUT I WOULD SAY THIS COULD BE SERIOUS AND WOULD TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO THE DOCTOR FOR A CHECK UP TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY ABUSE SEXUALLY-I REALLY HOPE THATS NO THE CASE- BUT THIS SOUNDS PRETTY TYPICAL OF AN ABUSIVE SITUATION-GOOD LUCK HOPE EVERYTHING IS OK.