4 y/o has tantrum every night before going to sleep

[reformedgeek]

Our DS (4 years old) has frequent tantrums at bed time. This usually happens after the wind-down (brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading stories). He will suddenly turn into a monster as though he has flipped a switch from being sleepy cuddly perfect child to screaming or shouting, bouncing nutcase.
He has a younger sister (1 year old) who gets a lot of the attention previously reserved solely for him but it doesn't explain the madness which usually resorts in either me or my DW storming out of his room shouting 'your turn!'.

Our boy is coming up to 4 and we find this situation sometimes just let him feel that he's winning a little bit, just one more story for instance if you suspect that it is un-divided attention because of your 1 year old it may stem for excess energy from the day, we recently purchased a trampoline for those times when he cant get full attention from us, because of our new born this seems to keep the atmosphere less tense as children are like little sponges and will see your frustration and play on it although they might not fully understand it but to know you love him regardless.

P.s We always get our older child ready for bed like nappy or teeth brushed etc, as when these things are done with both children together for some reason mayhem ensues!

Is he frightened of the darkness?

That was the age when we needed to put a night light in his room. Previously 2 blackout blinds and complete dark. Just a thought.

Bundle him into bed. Maybe he doesn't like the dark or something. Is a night light an option? I wouldn't give up and storm out. Just stay calm give him a cuddle and get him into bed. Could the two share a room? Mine do (4&2, boy and girl).