My 41/2 yr old boy all of a sudden is afraid of everything?? He is literally stuck to my hip?

Question

I cant figure out my son who is now afraid of everything ?? He doesnt even want to eat his supper if he is the last one at the table since he says hes scared to sit there alone. He wont go to the bathroom alone either?? I dont have a clue as to what is going on? I would say attention however when I go to put him into bed at night he literally claws the doors to not go in and has the look of sheer terror in his eyes??? He is a healthy kid so Im really puzzled and worried about him-- has anyone ever been thru this or should I get him to the doctor?? Its been going on for about 2 weeks now

Answer 1

Something my have happened to him in his bedroom that you are not aware of.  I would try talking to him and a doctor.  My niece did the same thing and we found out she was sexually abused.  I am not saying this happened to your son but there is something defiantly wrong and you need some professional help.

Answer 2

yes i understand!  My son is 4 now and has been going through the same thing.  I found that when he has a friend over to spend the night he isnt scarred which led me to believe that he was doing it to get what he wanted.  What mother would say no go to bed by yourself i dont care if your scarred.  not many.  but i did.  That was about 2 months ago.  I told him if he couldnt sleep in his room by himself then he must not be a big boy yet and isnt grown up enough to go to school this year.  It devastated him.  but he hasnt came back to my room since.  My advice is if you think mentally and physically he is fine it is a ploy to get what he wants and you just need to put your foot down.  I mean if you think about it he isnt scarred to sit at the table he is upset that he is by himself with no one to entertain.  Good luck.

Answer 3

At 41 years old, almost 42...

he needs to be out of the house on his own!

Answer 4

You need to take this boy to the doctor.  He could have been abused.  Please do it right away.  Something traumatizing has happened to this boy.

Answer 5

Dr. Feelgood has it right. You need to get your son to the doctor and FAST. This behavior is not normal and it sounds like he could possibly have been abused. Good Luck and God Bless.

Answer 6

Have there been any sudden changes in his routine/ family?  Be careful what he watches on tv.  Ask him what he is afraid of.

Answer 7

I'd sit down with him when he's calm, and talk with him- "Some people are afraid of some things.  Are you afraid of anything?  What things scare you?  Why do they scare you?"  Have an intelligent, adult-type discussion with him.  Once you know, you can help him get over it or discuss with his doctor how to help him.  If you don't know what scares him, you can't help him.  Its just like diagnosing anything else.   My son was suddenly afraid of something, but after talking about it, he got better & I understood him better.