My daughter has a fear of balloons. To the point where going to children's parties is becoming a very stressful past time. On replying to an invitation I explain to parents that she has this phobia, and the usual reaction is a laugh from them and even if they say balloons won't be present, they usually are. This usually means that we have to leave the party as my daughter starts shaking, sweating and acting irrationally. I know we can't expect every person to remove balloons from their party just because of my daughter, but it is turning a normally happy and well adjusted child into a nervous reck. To the best of my knowledge she developed this phobia after a birthday party when larger children were bursting balloons in the faces of the younger children. If any one can help me help my daughter overcome her fear I would be so grateful.