3kids4me

I don't think it's unusual at all - all my kids have gone through phases where they wanted to sleep in my bed or in my room at one time or another.... I suspect that there may be more than one reason but to me, the symptom doesn't seem very serious all on it's own.

He's getting older and perhaps more aware of his dad's absences, perhaps he heard someone ask you if you were lonly without his dad there or someone commenting and feels that he will help keep you company.

You could try offering him a place to sleep on the floor just to see how he would react to that offer (would that make him as happy or does he crave the body contact). (I tell my daughter now that I have trouble sleeping with her in the bed but she can sleep on the floor - on a makeshift mattress - I get clostophobic sometimes)

If it appears to be the body contact, try upping the hugs and pats and tickles during the day and see if that makes any difference but unless some other symptom comes up, I really wouldn't worry about it all that much - you can always tell him that you enjoy cuddling and hugging but the grabbing is uncomfortable and ask him not to do that.

Lisa