Changes in 4 Yr Old's Behavior

Kids go through this all the time. It's frustrating but it's usually a phase. It's possible there's a connection with the immunizations or with a low grade touch of something (fever, earache) but honestly, you see stuff like this on Mamapedia all the time, so everyone's going through it. Most kids can't articulate their fears anyway (and certainly not in the middle of the night), and they don't remember their dreams.

The best thing to do is put him back in his bed, comfort him, let him know he's safe in his own wonderful room in his own wonderful house, pat his back, wish him sweet dreams, and go back to bed. Don't engage him in a whole lot of talk - he's not really awake, and he just needs reassurance. I think praying is fine, but sometimes we need to "pray with our feet" - meaning we have to take action to solve problems! You can try a night light or a dream catcher if that would help, but consistency and a completely relaxed attitude and tone from you will do a lot more. He'll come through this phase and be fine.

I think you're over thinking this. It's very likely he simply had a bad dream. Poor thing. I almost never remember my dreams. Do you remember yours? Even when I don't remember them, the emotions remain, and they are very, very real.

Just love him. Just hug him and hold him and reassure him that he's safe, that it's ok to be scared but Mommy and Daddy aren't going to let anything bad happen. Then take him back to bed, give him hugs and kisses and tuck him in.

If he's cranky during the day, maybe he isn't feeling well, maybe he's not sleeping well so he's tired.

You might not be able to solve the mystery, exactly, but you'll never go wrong loving him, reassuring him and helping him to know that he is safe and he is loved.

Sounds like he's just not feeling well, mama. Between getting the shots and his ears, he's "touchy". That affects his behavior, too.

Keep lovingly strict with him during the day, and at night, give him Tylenol if he has a headache. Keep watch on the ears. Don't coddle him at night - only be perfunctory. If you don't actually give him any reason to keep waking up, he'll eventually stop doing it as he feels better.

Good luck!
Dawn

Does he have allergies? I know my daughter's have kicked in and she was complaining about an earache. Her doctor said it was sinus/allergy related. She was also cranky with me but fine with her preschool teachers. Kids know they can show their true feelings with their mommas! She also goes thru stages of waking up in the night like that. She even woke us all up singing in her sleep last week. I have noticed her sleep disturbances are either illness or growth spurt/developmental related. Good luck! This too shall pass.

Next time you are at school ask the school nurse (if there is one) to look in his ears. He could be waking with ear pain.
The other thing is that 4 yr olds are notorious for being afraid of the dark. It's a stage. I agree with others, the less emotion you put in it, the better.