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Fear of Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
QUESTION: Can anyone advise me on how to help my son Jacob overcome his fear of the
cordless vacuum cleaner? I can't do any vacuuming during the day when I'm
home with him, because the little guy is absolutely terrified of the thing.
My husband or I do it, as long as the other one has Jacob in a different
room, but he still cries. Any suggestions? Thanks.
ANSWER: It IS kind of scary-sounding... Try putting the vacume in the middle of
the room - unplugged - just let it sit there for part of the day. Then,
when Jacob is used to its presence, pick him up and let HIM turn it on and
then off. He will be able to control the loud whooshing noise himself.
When he feels in control of it, he may look at the whole thing
differently...
What To Expect The First Year suggests holding him and letting him play
with the vacuum while it is off to let him get aquainted with it in its
safest mode and with you holding for extra security. Then let him play
with it without you holding. Then hold him and let him turn it on and
off. The hold him while you turn it on and use it.
Along the lines of what people have already written...Once your son
has become accustomed to seeing it when it is quiet and has heard it
on...Try holding him in a backpack or tummy pack while you vacuum.
That's the only way I can vacuum my house because my 15 month old is
also afraid of the vacuuming sound right now. Strange, he wasn't
afraid of it two months ago....
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