My toddler appears to be suddenly afraid of everything, what do I do?

In most toddlers fear represents healthy development. As toddlers learn to assert their will they often experience feelings as bigger than they really are. Parents can help by reminding children that they are bigger than their worries. On the other hand, repeatedly seeking out being scared by insisting on being tossed in the air, scaring others with a sudden "boo", rough housing with older peers is often mistaken for pleasure when it is really an attempt to conquer a fear.  Minimizing over-excitement during this developmental phase helps toddlers progress through normal forms of fears and worries in bearable bits.