4.5 Year Old SEPARATION ANXIETY???

I am a worrywort anyway, but I would be concerned. Is it possible someone (an adult) is making him uncomfortable at these sleepovers? Do your cousins have friends over that he is not familier with? You are not there to see what is going on. Ask him if anyone is being inappropriate or making him uncomfortable. He is old enough that you can talk to him. I find the best time to talk with my children is when they are going to bed, the lights are out, I am sitting next to them and they are relaxed. They will seem to tell you more then, bad and good. Good luck, 4/12 is such an awesome age!

Kids do go through this phase at just about this age. Very active imaginations and the realization that something can happen to you or them when you are apart. I would look closely at any books or Tv shows or movies that might be adding to his fears or anxieties and limit those if you think they are affecting him. Other than that, reassure him that your ok, he's ok and give him the extra love he needs right now. It will pass...

Good luck~

Poor guy. Clearly something is weighing heavy on his heart. I agree with the mom who mentioned talking to him because maybe something has gone on you don't know about. I would think through the week prior to this starting…where was he, who was taking care of him, anything change at all with you, your spouse, etc during that time?

Another thought as well…. is one of his friend's going through something - parents getting divorced, new job causing issues, etc. that -while it may not be happening to your son - may make him worried that it could happen to him/ your family?

I would give him continued love and assurances- both at night and through the day. Also finding times to talk about what he's thinking about, how he's feeling, etc. - you may have to ask MANY questions to help dig in as kids -esp this young - often can't identify what they are feeling and why they are feeling it.

Good luck! I hope your son has happy nights again soon! T.

My 3.5 yo daughter gets like that when her older sister and brother go visit their biological mother. If she knows that they are just going to school or to the store, she is okay. But if she thinks they are going with their "other Mom", she can cry for hours. We reassure her that they will be back soon and that if she wants to, she can call them and see how they are doing, but she cannot go with them this time and they cannot come back until they are done with their mother. You can try that, as you are leaving him at your mother's or with other family. He can call you if he wants, making sure you are okay, but that he his a big boy and it's okay to have fun without Mommy.

Has anyone in your family or a pet died recently? You might look at it as normal, but he wouldn't...............and I agree, it might be a movie or show he has seen.........

Each child is different, so who knows what it is.........just tell him he will be fine and make sure there isn't anything in his room that has changed or made him uncomfortable as well...

Give him love and encouragement and I'm sure he will be ok.