I tell you, if its not one thing its another.  I'm beating myself up wondering what I have done wrong so I need your experienced advice.  When I was growing up my parents were so over protective.  I wasn't allowed to play at the park, I never learned to swim, ride a bike, skate, anything.  I vowed I would never do that to my children, I wanted them to try new things, have some adventure and just be kids.  However despite that desire for them, my children seem to be afraid of everything.  My oldest is somewhat growing out of it but still has several fears.

My four year is old who has the will of steel and has always seemed to be the toughest is now all of a sudden afraid of EVERYTHING!  I know children go through stages but I am really wondering if this is normal.  We almost can't go out anymore.  He is afraid of thunder, firework noise, the garbage man, the mailman, the boat hooting on the river, loud cars, campfires, the dark, any bug, vacum cleaner, construction trucks (although he loves to look at them)  if they are moving he is afraid.  He used to love to take walks, he won't go anymore because of the sounds, he has complete panic attacks when we are out.  I don't know what to do, I'm feeling helpless-we can't stop living.  Of course my 2yr old is feeding off of this and says she is afraid too but I think its just she sees her big brother terrified so she thinks she should be too.

We have a family night special thing once or twice a month on Friday nights.  My husband planned a camping adventure in the backyard because thats all they talk about is camping in a tent.  He went all out an built a fire and roasted hot dogs and had all kinds of things planned.  Neither boy lasted through the night and had to come in, I just don't understand.

My four year old doesn't ever play without me, he always stays in the room with me.  I don't mind him being with me but shouldn't he want to do things on his own sometimes?  Any advice would be great.  What are some things you have done?  Have your children experienced fear like this?  I really don't feel I over protect, I never show my fear in front of my kids even when I feel it. 

Angela