My Son Is Suddenly Very Clingy and Whiny?

He's not gong to tell you what's bothering him. He probably doesn't know himself. And really, it could be so many things. He could have seen something on tv that bothered him. My kids are 7 & 10, and the commercials Sarah McLaugln does about abandoned pets are devistating to them. He might have heard something said that upset him. Who knows. You might discover what it is through normal, everyday conversations or by observing him.

What's most important right now is for you to simply be there for him. Give him extra hugs. Let him know you'll be right back. Don't let the bad behaviors just slide, but don't overreact either. Calm, gentle reminders, consequences when necessary. But try to give it some time. If things don't star to improve, that's one thing. But give it some time.

Yes, speak to his doctor, preferably the one who knows him best. We really don't have enough information here to help you. But if it is true that ALL of what you say here has happened in one week, then you should go to the doctor NOW. Ask the nurse to stay with him while you speak to the doctor alone. Then bring him in for the doctor to see.

Well, kids go through all kinds of phases and it's hard to know sometimes what triggers them. Sometimes it's based on something that happened to them, and sometimes it's just the result of increased maturity, seeing themselves as separate from Mom, and then panicking about truly being entirely separated.

I don't think it's always productive to ask a 4 year old what's wrong or why he's upset - most of the time, they just don't know. They can even get more anxious trying to answer your questions. Sometimes it's best to ready comforting stories and try to find more snuggle time. I'm sorry you have to resort to "bribery" to get that.

Peeing on the floor - is it when you aren't looking, or is it defiant and right in front of you? That makes a difference.

Yes, I'd discuss it with the pediatrician but I'd also keep a log of things like sleep, anxiety, tantrums, food intake, etc. so you can try to make sense of it.

FYI it's not a good idea to put your child's first name on an internet site when you also list your town. You've got to keep kids more isolated and protected than that.

Something happened to him last week and he can't put his feelings into words. If he's in daycare or was babysat by someone I'd think something happened there that upset him. Maybe bullied or picked on by another child or adult? Or maybe he saw something on tv or overheard something that he can't put into words?

Since its an abrupt change I'd look into it because hurting pets and people is not ok.

Separation anxiety is common in an infant or toddler, tantrums come with terrible twos and threes - but at 4, no this isn't normal.
Is he delayed or special needs?
By all means - save the animals - and keep your son away from them or supervise closely when he is with them.
Talk with the doctor asap.

He's likely coming down with something and doesn't feel good.

Kids can't express why they do what they do at that age - it's like trying to deal with a whinging kid - they can't tell you "well I haven't eaten in 4 hours". They just are out of control by the time they need to eat.
We have no idea what could have happened to him if he's reacting to some traumatic event. Only you would be able to investigate that. Maybe question his daycare/sitter/family members .. whatever care arrangement you have for him. Did he watch a show that set him off, impossible for us to say .. but that's where I would start.
If it continues, definitely take him in.
My kids acted differently if they were ill. I do know being unwell can affect kids with regards to using the washroom. Kids can regress for periods of time.
Any changes? Kids regress as well.
Good luck

If all of this has just happened in the past week I would take him to the doctor asap.

Maybe the baby has some tummy trouble. You can try babies magic tea to soothe him whether it's some sort of tummy hurt. There is no side effect of this tea and your baby could be settled down.

So sorry to hear that your child is going through a difficult time. I remember my daughter having a similar behavior at age 3. After numerous test we found out she has acute food allergies, which caused gastrointestinal issues. Being so young she could tell us her stomach hurt, but I think it occurred so often she began have behaviors. My pediatrician recommend we start an elimination diet (stop giving one food for 4 days to see if there were any changes) and it did provide relief temporarily. After being tested for food allergies they discovered that she had sensitivity to hidden dyes, flavoring and artificial ingredients that I was unaware she was consuming. Its been a year now and she has recovered completely. I hope this is helpful.