I have known my DS has suffered with nightmares for well over a year based on his reactions at night. But for the la at 6 months he has been able to vocally discuss his dreams and with greater detail now. When he wakes crying it isn't one of pain but of fear. He has a very quiet demeanor generally and observant child. But very emotional and highly sensitive. He doesn't normally react in the moment and well be upset after having had some time.
Last few weeks he has been talking about either me or some other close family member dying. He is only 28months old.
We don't watch TV or have devices that he watches unsupervised at all I always sit by him and talk about whatever show he is watching usually Geckos Real vehicles etc. So no strange things happening there. He doesn't go to Nursery he is with me 24/7 and even width family I am close by.
He reads books a lot like loads, looks at pictures and I read with him. It is our main activity and there are no books with the mention of death.
We were reading a book the other night and he randomly said Grandma died, grandma died. And I was perplexed. I asked why he said that but then he changed the subject and we carried on reading his book. The book was the Hungry Caterpillar!!!!
We Co sleep - same room he has his own sleeping space away from us. He falls asleep with me sat on my bed just a meter away. We do cuddles, kiss and a goodnight. We have a good night time routine etc.
But today during his nap he woke up crying inconsolably only after 50mins of being asleep. He pinched me several times and told me to go away while crying and sobbing his heart out. After 20mins he calmed and said something along the lines of that he pushed me down the stairs and Mama died and he pushed Dad down stairs and Baby down the stairs (I am 20weeks). Then he went back to crying and sobbing and doesn't want me anywhere near him and tells me to leave. I am giving him space but he comes to me and pinches me.
He is excited about baby and always asls to see baby and cuddle my belly and give kisses. He talks to baby and likes to show baby his toddies he is very aware and happy.
No clue what to do. Is this normal? This is my first child. He never has temper tantrums or anything excessive. Normally when he is sad he cuddles me and calms right away just being held. But this time nothing worked not even giving him space. He cried for 50mins!
Is it another nightmare and why is he aware of death to such a level it is upsetting him like this.
We read the Snail and the Whale and there is some imagery of death such as a fish being carried away to be eaten by a gull which he has asked about. But other then that his books are toddler friendly.
I am very confused and it has upset me alot, pregnancy on top of that. I just don't know what's wrong or whats happening.
Any suggestions? It has been a couple weeks of this should I speak to the GP / HV. This is the first time where it has been this intense.
Thank you.