In the last couple of weeks DS has suddenly become scared of everything. I think maybe to do with Halloween and seeing scaring things here and there. He now won't be on a different floor to us (even if I just start walking down the stairs and he's left a little behind he will freak out). He needs the light on in every room on the floor that he is on, the light has to stay on all night in the corridor etc.
Going to bed has become a nightmare. He now won't go to sleep unless we are lying next to him.
I have read before that all this may in some way enable the fear and by staying with him all the time it reinforces to him that he is right to be scared, and it is a better approach to reassure and leave breezily?
But it is not working at all. He gets totally worked up and panicky. I don't know what to do and am petrified of getting it wrong (my dad was dismissive of my fears as a child and I have developed anxiety issues as an adult and can't help but wonder if that's what caused it!).
Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be appreciated!