My four year old DS has suddenly become very fearful, anxious and shy. For example, he has started to hide behind me when we visit friends’ houses - even though he plays with them regularly and has done for years. He’s scared of water, the dark, undressing, going to childcare, being told off and being left alone as well as other more imaginary fears like dinosaurs, monsters etc. He has an imaginary friend who isn’t scared of anything. I’m worried about him as it’s come on so suddenly and am wondering - is this a normal developmental stage or is it something I need to have investigated?
He’s otherwise a bright happy little boy. Very talkative, funny and creative.