Toddlers' fears revealed

The vacuum cleaner

'She calls it the Hoover monster'

Erica Norman, 34, lives in Mold, Flintshire, with husband Jason and their children Emily, 2, Matthew, 5, Daniel, 12, and Rebecca, 15. 

'Emily has always hated loud noises and she's terrified of the vacuum cleaner. Every time it comes out, she jumps on to the sofa or hides. Now she's speaking, she calls it the Hoover monster.

I've bought her a toy one to calm her fears, but she won't even switch it on! I'm just hoping she grows out of it.'

The dark

'He couldn't get to sleep'

Cerrie Melham, 39, lives in Salfords, Surrey, with partner Magnus and their children Mia, one and a half, and Finn, 3.

'A year ago, Finn became afraid of the dark. He wanted the light left on at night as he was scared of "monsters", but it was keeping him awake.

I recently bought him a Lumilove nightlight. It gives off a reassuring glow and it also stays cool so he can take it with hm if he goes to the loo.' 

• Buy a Lumilove nightlight, £23 at www.bibsandstuff.com 

Haircuts

'He hit the barber!'

Helen McLeod, 33, lives in Rothley, Leicestershire, with husband Stuart and children Lucy, 5 months, and Cameron, two and a half.

'Cameron's first two haircuts were fine. But at the third, he became hysterical, hitting and biting me. He even lashed out at the barber.

Now he's terrified of getting his hair cut and screams, "No scissors!". We've now been to every hairdresser in town and usually have to give up halfway through!' 

Parcel tape

Alison Berry, 36, from Egham, Surrey, lives with husband Steve and kids Joel, one and a half, Victoria, 5, and Amelia, 6.

'I run a web gift service and was packing a parcel while Joel played. As i pulled some parcel tape off the roll, he burst into tears.

Thinking he'd hurt himself, I calmed him down and carried on. But as soon as I pulled some more tape off, he began sobbing again.

I've tried to gently suggest he "helps" me pull some tape off the roll, but he gets upset. Now when I pack something I have to hide!' 

 

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