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When our children experience sudden undesirable events (minor accidents, seeing a scary image, breaking something, or stains), they can often overreact because they don't understand fully what just happened or how the damage can sometimes be undone. According to "What to Expect: The Toddler Years" by Heidi Murkoff, "Let your toddler know that everyone has fears... but try your best to control yours. If your toddler sees you take charge of your fears calmly, he or she may eventually learn to do likewise, based on your model. If, on the other hand, you jump three feet in the air every time you spy a spider, you'll be showing your toddler how to let fear take charge" (p. 211). You can even embrace a little craziness - for example, if your child spills a little water just on the table, you can trace letters/shapes in it together with your fingers, then clean it up together - no anger, reprimand, or shock needed! It takes practice to develop an attitude of curiosity, courage, and patience in these sudden moments.
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