My TODDLER is suddenly afraid of TALKING TOYS, what should I do?

Question

I mean this is new. Suddenyl he's sooo afraid of his talking Elmo and any toy that has "voices" like a LeapFrog drum tht when you tap it it says the alphabet, what can I do?

Answer 1

I think its normal..i was petrified of my furbie!

Answer 2

Toddlers have a wonderful imagination and often develop fears around this time because of it!  Very normal...I would respect him and take him very seriously.  Acknowledge his fear and respect that.  If it helps, remove the toy for awhile.  Then you can talk about his fear.  Don't make him feel bad about having the fear though but help him to feel secure and loved.  

My son is very afraid of pop-up books...so for now, we just do not have any in the house!  Its no big deal and as my motto goes....'this too shall pass'!

Answer 3

Just show him that its ok by hugging the doll and playing with it yourself. If this doesnt work just let him play with the doll when its off for a while and try it again some other time.

Answer 4

just stop buying talking toys and buy other types of toys.  there's nothing that you can do about it, its just a part of growing up.  all kids go through it.  Mines is currently scared of anything that talks as well.  

Answer 5

Just show him that talking toys are okay and they're harmless. My stepson was suddenly afraid of thunder and my husband took him outside on the porch during a storm and sat and talked with him to show him that the thunder was harmless and that he was safe. They have to face their fears.  

Answer 6

Step 1: Buy lots of talking toys

Step 2: Videotape and put on YouTube

Step 3: ???

Step 4: PROFIT!

Answer 7

I had this problem with my little guy. His big brother got a stuffed deer for a gag gift that sings "hit me with your best shot". He would not go near the thing, so I took the batteries out and put the deer on the floor. I placed it where we would have to walk by it and when my son would balk I would take his hand and say " Stay right there deer don't you scare us, be good." After several times my son would pass it alone and say the same thing (which cracked me up). I then had him say "good deer, be nice" after a few days he would walk by it and pat it's head and say "good deer". After that I started to hold the deer (still no batteries) and sing the song. My son soon started to play with the deer. I was able to put the batteries back in and ask him to push the button and make the deer sing. He loves it now. It sounds a bit silly to go to all that over a singing deer, but I didn't want to foster his fear. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

let him see u play with the toy and i mean really play like ur having the best time with the toy if its a elmo dall or any other dall just play with it with ur toddler seeing you if he see you playing with it for lets say 10 to 15 Minot's and lots of leafing giggling and he can see your have a really good time with  the doll  talking  soon he might start to see its ok to play with the doll but if that don't work like other say in time he will get older and get over this fear in this own time my son did not like talking toys and toy Dall's that talk and move at first but when he saw me having so much fun he Wonder why so he walk up to me and look at the toy and grieved it and throw it across the room but later that week he start to play with it when i was in the same room with him but every toddler is defiant also hugging the dall and kissing it but make sure she or he see you hugging and kiss it like if it was a real loved one good luck  

Answer 9

Just take all the talking toys away. explain to your child that these toys are recordings, they arent alive. They are safe. But it isnt a big deal. Just get rid of all the talking toys if you child is scared of them.

Answer 10

I don't blame him.  I'm 27 and I think many of them are downright creepy.  If he doesn't want to play with them, don't make him.  He'll probably get over it on his own just as quickly as it started.  Kids are weird like that.

Answer 11

Oh no who thumbed down "red"s answer?  Have a sense of humor people, it was pretty funny.  

Seriously though, my 20 month old is also terrified of his brothers "Hulk Hands" and some talking or loud toys.  No biggie really, it's normal and we just try to keep those toys away from him, but when they ARE out and are being played with, we do try and sit near him and let HIM play w/ them...or see us playing and singing along or whatever.  Someone said "this too shall pass" and it will.  Don't lose sleep over this but do support your little guy and don't force the toys on him trying to get him over it.  You need tobe his safely zone and source of comfort and protection not a bully trying to make him brave.  =)  I'm nto saying your doing that I'm just making a general point.  

Answer 12

should use funny or muical ones for awhile till he gets over it .he has just had his first unusual experiance

Answer 13

That is odd. He may have just realized that it's weird that these inanimate object "talk" to him because you know, it is weird. My daughter hates talking toys too and I'm personally quite happy about that because I hate them too :)

Take the batteries out of them and let him play without them making noises at him and pull out toys that don't talk. Pick up a few toys that don't talk if you don't have any. A lot of the non-talking toys are more expensive because they're considered "classic" toys which is hysterical because I can't imagine non battery operated toys are more expensive to make. But things like puzzles and blocks are my kids favorite things to play with. It may just be a phase and will pass, he may just be bothered by hearing sounds that he can't see a mouth moving to identify the source. As they develop who knows what sorts of thoughts go through their minds. Or he may be bothered by all the noise. Either way, just take the batteries out and see if he likes them better.  

Answer 14

Take the batteries out of them for a couple of months until he is ready to deal with the talking again. No need to further torture him trying to show him that they are ok, he will get over it on his own as he matures.