So I'm in need of some advice. My son Emmett (20 months old) is usually a REALLY good sleeper. Like I'm so lucky (and I realize the next one will be my worst nightmare) because he sleeps roughly from 7pm-7am straight through. He does not wake up once. And bedtime used to be super simple and easy too. We'd get our jammies and sleep sack on, brush our teeth, read books, and then turn on the fan (sound machine), turn off the light, and get into the crib. Usually I'd rub his back a bit, and he'd watch the baby shark song once on youtube from my phone while laying down in his crib (he started asking for this recently as it is his favorite song and he is obsessed lol), then I'd tell him I love him and leave the room. No problems.

The last few weeks, he goes along with all of that, BUT once I get up and head for the door, he stands straight up in bed, screams, and goes into full-on bawling mode. I never go back into the room. And it usually only takes him a few minutes to calm down and put himself to sleep. But my question is WHY??? Why do we need to go through that heartbreak for 5 minutes every nap AND bedtime?? Why did this suddenly start?? And can I fix it or is it just a phase?