PollyA you put it so well.

MummaSue: The biggest thing I worry about with my anxiety / overprotectiviness is that I will teach my children that the world is a scary place and they cannot put any trust in anyone. Also, that by always being there to watch over them and protect them I am not giving them the skills to go out into the world and be able to look after themselves (obviously this is age appropriate, your little bubba is still so young, but won't always be). Sometimes looking into where these anxieties may come from can be very helpful. Is there anyone / any services near you that you might be able to just chat with. I am not saying that you have a problem at all, but if you feel it is affecting your parenting then it is an issue for you.