When do fears start?

[BRC6C]

We will be heading to the world with DS3 on December 18. Only in this setting am I willing to admit that although we live in the DC area, he has been to WDW 6 times already! He has never been scared of characters or dark rides and really doesn't have many fears, but when he announced last night that he "will not" sit on Santa's lap, I got worried... he hasn't been to Disney in 5 months, but talks about it all the time, do you think he will be the same brave guy, or are fears likely to be setting in at this age?

 

[becky7953]

We took our DS at age 18 months and did almost everything (that he was big enough to do) We went back with our DD 2 and DS 4, and they were scared of things. DD 2 more so than DS 4. DS was scared of Bugs life movie. DD didn't like anything dark, or loud. I think it depends on the child. Sorry not too much help

 

[Kahana-ri]

DS is 19 months and he is not afraid of anything. He loves everyone. I believe he is too young and has not yet picked up or learned to be afraid of things. The only thing that he will get upset over is loud noises. Needless to say we won't be watching fireworks.

 

[rt2dz]

It totally depends on the child. I have one (4)that is afraid of fireworks but will ride Tower of Terror and encounter any character with zeal. I have another (22 months) that loves all the characters in costume, but is terrified of face characters. I have a neice who at two wouldn't go near Santa, but adored the Easter Bunny--between that time they went to WDW and some characters were good and others frightening. And it had nothing to do with "good" or "villian" or face or costumed. There is no guessing what they will be afraid of or when. All you can do is try, and if your child is afraid, respect it and let them approach again when ready.