2 year old terrified to go to sleep suddenly

[Messymama3]

My 2 1/2 has never had a problem getting into bed.  He seems content every night and even sleeps in a real big boy bed without issues.  However, the last few nights I can't even leave his room.  Last night I had to lay in bed with him for hours.  At first he wouldn't let my hand go and whenever I moved he jumped up thinking I was leaving and screamed as if he were terrified!  He just layed there staring at me holding on to me really tight.  Finally after two hours I decided I'd just get up be sure he was cozy and tell him everything is fine.  I did that, walked out of his room and he screamed for about 30seconds.  Then he was quiet and eventially went to sleep.  However, this morning he woke up screaming at 6:30a when he will usually sleep until 8:30 or 9:00.  I ran into his room and he was pulling off his diaper.  I tried putting a pull-up on him and he screamed and kicked refusing.  Im wondering if this is all from a bad dream, if it is because of potty training or if it is a seperation anxiety issue.  I need to know how to handle it.  

[treazzure007]

my son got scared of "the man with the feather" from the wiggles'.  that's what he called him.  he stayed scared of his room for weeks.  i found that just not mentioning it and continuing the tucking the child in and reading or patting their back- whatever the routine of winddown time may be- worked out just fine.  with time, whatever scary image that has gotten into his mind will fade gradually.  visit his room often, and assure him that you care and are nearby.  

i do not suggest acknowledging there being ghosts or monsters of any kind to catch or chase away ever.

[Sandraorion]

Have you tried talking to him what's bugging him?

Our son too started with fears at about 2.5. Over time time we introduced night light, open doors, for a while we had a sheet covering a shelf with his toys that casted scary shadows. And while he is falling asleep I promise I'd come back and check on him and I do every so often.