Question for all you mothers out there...

When did your kids start being afraid of everything? My son is 10 months old and he has just, in this past week, become afraid of cats, the tea kettle, being alone for more than thirty seconds, the stroller, the DVD player, my husband's shoes, his exersaucer, everyone he hasn't known for his entire life, and the list goes on and on and on...

Is this normal? I know that babies eventually start getting scared of things, but does it usually come on this quickly? He used to play SO nicely by himself, and go to other people with no problem, and I could get things done, but now he has to make sure I'm watching or holding him ALL THE TIME. It's starting to feel like a little too much togetherness.

Did this happen to any of you moms out there?

Hmmm, well I do remember a time when my son would cry out in horror every time the toilet flushed at a store like Target or something like that. Those loud, booming flushes terrorized the poor thing!! Other than that, he doesn't have ENOUGH fear in him sometimes! He waves and smiles and says "Hi" to everyone. He doesn't want to hold my hand and instead go off and do his own exploring (even in the woods when hiking).

BUT, I think your son is in what they call "separation anxiety" mode. All children go through that at various times. They suddenly just want to be held all the time and don't want anyone else but you! It happens and he will get over it. It peaks at different ages. My son was pretty clingy for me for a couple weeks in April and was also in devil baby mode because of a combination of teething, growing, wanting to be more independent, lots of fresh air and getting tired! But, he is back to himself for the most part. I call it "Toddler PMS". (He's almost 18 months now)

Anyway, just give it some time....I think it's most likely the separation anxiety thing they all go through. Trust me, he will get to the point where you can't even get a cuddle out of him anymore!! :sad:

Take care!
Tami

I have a two year little girl and she is just know starting to be afraid of everything, other people, the vacuam cleaner and anything that makes noise. It so weird because she never was afraid of anything before. i think she may too be going through separation anxiety because she only wants me or my husband. She cried the other day when her grandparent come to pick her up the other day which was unsual.

Yeah , it's all quiet common , I thought I was gonna go nuts when my son decided he wanted me and only me. But then he had a daddy phase where I couldn't even look at him without him freaking and it broke my heart and then ya get jealous of hubby lol. Enjoy mommy time! It isn't always the way. Although at almost 7 yrs old he's moms boy , loves to cuddle, give kisses and hugs and I love you's without a second thought.

my son is also 10 months and he's afraid to be alone. for example, when i have stuff to do i'll have to put him in his walker and he doesn't want to be in it because he thinks i'm leaving him. other than that he's not afraid of strangers, but when he sees me there and i'm not holding him, of course, he'll cry.

My Son wasn't afraid of anything but until he was 9 months old he wanted to be held all the time...on my hip all the time, cooking, housework, etc...I was fine with it, I didn't expect it to last once he learned to walk...His Father's family decided we had to break the habit before he got any older...they made me put him in the playpin where he could see me and I was not to pick him up when he cried just to be held...it was horrible...if I had been older and wiser I would have told everyone that I'm his mother and I'll decide what's appropriate for my Son.