Can he really be scared of the dark at 17 months??

[minimac]

Our son has suddenly developed what seems to be a fear of the dark. He has always (very luckily) been really good at going down to sleep at 7pm but for the last week when he's put down and I walk out of the room he starts crying and really kicking off. As soon as I go back in he stops crying and settles down but I have to leave the door wide open and/ or hall light on and door ajar which will then settle him. Later on when he's properly asleep I can close his door and he doesn't seem to be bothered during the night being in total darkness (we have a total blackout blind up).

I don't know if it is connected but he has also woken once in the morning this week (earlish for him) so we put the hall light on and door ajar and he happily stayed in bed for another half hour.

His bedtime routine is exactly the same as it's ever been although he's probably outside later playing now he's walking/more energetic before starting his bath/bed time routine. Don't know if this would impact.

I don't have a problem with him needing light etc , after all some adults do, but I am wondering why this fear seems to have just started and if it could lead to further issues - any clues anyone ??

[KikiMac]

Could it not be a wave of separation anxiety? We had a similar thing and dealt with it in the same way (ie leaving the bedroom door open) and put it down to that...

[KidKruger]

kids are often scared of the dark, not necessarily a sign of further fear mentality.

been the same for 1000's of years.

Also:

- kids picky with food

- kids wet themselves

- kids have tantrums

- kids get shy around strangers sometimes

- kids have a favourite toy/blanket they like to cuddle.