Is fear of octopuses a concern?

Question

My 3 year old son has a great fear of octopuses. He thinks that they are in his room at night. Is there reason to be concerned?

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry. I'm 15 and I'm still afraid of octopuses! It's not something that's going to haunt him forever. 3 year olds aren't rational, so you may not be able to reason with him. Does he have a "sleeping buddy"? A stuffed animal to comfort him? You'd be suprised at what might comfort him.  

Answer 2

Since the creatures only live in water, he ought not to be concerned.  But 3-year olds may well not be sufficiently rational to deal with this, and if it continues to be a problem, you may need to consult a psychologist or other professional.

Answer 3

No..lol. Sounds normal to me. He'll grow out of it, I'm sure.

Answer 4

Whatever you do do not show him "the little mermaid", you know, the one with ursula in it, the semi-octopus queen.

Personally I don't think this should be a huge concern, but just try to make him feel better abt the situation....we all know what it was like being  scared of the dark and whatnot. Give your son a stuffed toy and tell him that is his guardian for tonight. Hope all goes well :)

Answer 5

Since its his mind that makes the madness, give his mind tools to make him safe - once hes been safe long enough he'll forget.

The octopuses I presume are imaginary? lol

Well tell him with his mind he can create a bubble round his bed that will stay there keeping him safe from them.

Tell him he can make a bubble that he can take with him as well (no need for him ot have wait for the loo).

Maybe even a pretend spear gun to shoot them with too. It does help when can male yourself safe.

After a while - he'll just out grow it and learn better.

Just never draw attention to it once he learns to make self feel safer from the octopuses, as it will be sore point of embarrassment for sometime after.

O and whatever you do - don't treat him like he has or is problem about this. You will only make it worse than it really is. And what it really is is a hyper active imagination (to an adult) or pretty much a normal child. One that has taken to imagining octopuses in the shadows.