Childhood Fears

[April2]

The last month or so my just turned four year old has been showing fear towards loud noises. It seems like I really noticed it when I took him out of state with me a couple of weeks ago. I knew he was out of his element and normal routine but it seemed like he was more clingy to me. I didn't mind, just gave him more cuddles. We had to sleep in the same double bed on this trip and the first night there was a thunderstorm. He sat up in bed crying. I tried to comfort him and get him to lay down. Finally, exhuasted (it was around 2am), he leaned against me and fell asleep. I carefully rolled him over to his side of bed and fell asleep. The next night there was a thunderstorm again. He sat bolt upright in bed, trembling. He didn't cry this time but wouldn't lay back down and was just shaking. I just rubbed his back and talked to him, trying to reassure him and comfort him. He eventually layed down and slept again. This last week I've noticed every time there's a loud noise he gets scared and runs to me. Twice this week a big truck rumbled past our house and he cried out and ran to me. He was playing in the front yard the other day with my husband when some dingbat threw a bottle rocket up in the air, I guess, and it landed in our yard. He FREAKED. He ran screaming and crying into the house into my arms and wouldn't let go. He wanted me to sit in the rocker with him with a blanket over him and rock him like I used to when he was a baby. I just sat and rocked him for awhile until he calmed down. I keep trying to reassure him that these noises won't hurt him that they're just loud.
Is this just a normal phase for his age or do I need to be more concerned? I just don't know what's gotten into him. We want to see the fireworks on Friday. He's always been fine with them before but now I just don't know how he'll react. I'm hoping if he sees the pretty lights that he won't be so scared over the noise.
What do you all think?

[margypops]

Probably the Thunderstorm scared him a lot, he was asleep so he got woke up by it that scares anyone, continue the way you are treating him it will fade but its early days,if he is scared on Friday dont push it if hes in doors can he still see the lights if not theres always many years ahead for him to enjoy them. Keep reasurring him ,show him the sky at other times, show him the Full Moon, the Stars, at 4 explain to him the reason for Thunder and Lightening, and the weather,thre are kids books to read all about it, try to show him the reason for the Bangs and crashes,

[April2]

Well, it worked! We took him to see a fireworks show and he did great! Of course, he did want to sit on my lap and a few times he buried his head into my chest but he'd peek right back out to see the lights! I just wanted to share. Of course, he's still afraid of thunderstorms and won't go to bed when there's one going on. That one we'll have to keep working on but he did great at the fireworks display!
Just thought I'd let you know!
Happy 4th of July!

[margypops]

What great news, thank you for letting us know,a Triumph!!You did well and it will get better.