3 year old scared of crowds and loud noises?

DH and I took DS to see the Wiggles on Saunday and as soon as we got into our seats DH started to cry and say he wanted to go home.

No matter what we did to distract him, he just got more and more upset. After about 10 minutes into the concert we gave up and left and as soon as we got outside he was fine.

Anyone else's preschooler like this or is this something I should talk to his ped. about?

Re: 3 year old scared of crowds and loud noises?

I might say something to the ped if this occurred a lot.

I had something similar with my daughter. I spoke with my ped and he recommended EI evaluation dealing with sensory. My dd, as a baby, was extremely sensitive and would become easily overwhelmed when faced with a lot of people or environmental stimulus/stressors. When the doorbell rang, as a baby, she would cry. When the dog barked, she would cry. She would cling to me during playgroup with a group of 5 kids she had known since birth. It completely baffled me!

She did outgrow it for the most part but I still try to do one on one playdates more and keep her with more relaxed/less aggressive children.

Re: 3 year old scared of crowds and loud noises?

That's exactly how my 3.5yo dd was at the Wiggles. My 2yo ds was really into it so we didn't leave, and after a little while she calmed down and watched sitting in my lap. I guess it wouldn't hurt to mention it, I probably will when we are there for her 4 year visit. She cried every day this summer before camp, it was heartbreaking. They said she calmed down and had fun most of the day. I always assumed she was just shy since DH and I both are.

Re: 3 year old scared of crowds and loud noises?

I think it's a sensory thing too. My daughter has some borderline sensory challenges, and she has exhibited this exact behavior at concerts/shows...it happened at The Backyardigans and on the lawn at our library, for an outdoor summer concert. She is usuallly calmed by sitting on one of our laps and being held, until she feels "safe" and understands that it will be fun and not scary.