Scared to go to sleep 6yr old

[samsysoo]

Having difficulties getting 6ry old to sleep as he is sacrdd of robbers ! Have tried everything-discussion over his fears/logical why its realy OK/ reading/lights on/reassurance/cross/ etc sitting with him is the only thing that willhelp but I don't want to encourage this prop. How can I help? Has anyone found a good solution?
Is this a common problem in a very bright boy-ie: active imagination?

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Does he have any siblings he can share a room with?

My dd is too young for this yet, but I remember being like this myself, except my fear was witches/supernatural things. My mum told me that she had planted garlic round the house which has magical powers to ward off witches and this comforted me. If she had said 'there's no such thing' I wouldn't have believed her. So, I'm wondering if there's something fantastical that could reassure him, rather than trying to confront it with logic, iyswim. Have you already tried anything like that? I'm sure it probably is very common and someone who's dealt with it will come along.

Hi My 7yo (then 6) did this., It stemmed from a car which had been broken into on holiday and she was scared they would come into the house and steal her (also related to Maddie McCann). The first few nights I sat with her but then she was only doing it for the attention it had got in the first place iyswim. I ended up just telling her that I had explained that no one could come into the house etc and that she had to go to sleep and I would be back in 5 minutes to check on her. I did this for a few nights and eventaully she went to sleep no bother and never mentioned it again. Good luck

I will be watching this with interest. My 7 year old is the same, seems to be scared of multiple things. She wants to be sat with until she goes to sleep and often wakes up in the night because she is scared. I feel sorry for her but really want to resolve it.

oh yes that's horrid - I've been terrified of exactly the same thing myself. I know this may sound odd but is it possible to move his bedroom around? Sometimes having the bed in a different position can make the room feel more secure. Also, I agree with coming up with something 'fantastical' to explain why he has nothing to worry about - can he come up with the solution to that one?? He may have something in his head that he would consider to be a robber proof 'thing'. I would also perhaps spend a chunk of time (up to an hour) before bed books / DVD of something completely soft and fuzzy and feel good to help him feel safe and relaxed and perhaps have a CD of something he enjoys (maybe a story?) playing quietly in his room for half an hour while he's dropping off.

Thank you all so much.I guess it isn't so isolated a problem. In response:
I know it stems from the time our near neighbour explained that his garage was broken into and of course the reality dawned on him that the world does have its scarey uncontrollable parts. I have reasoned this out with him and he does get it. Lately I have put a baby monitor in his room and said that although no one will break in -if they ever did (stressed-they never will) I would hear them downstairs. (Also said I wouldn't respond to him saying he was scared on the monitor in case it was anothr way of getting attention). I guess it is him trying to find a way to reassure himself which he currently can't. So I have resorted to being on the Pc in the next room while he falls asleep. I guess that within time he will get used to falling asleep -not scared. At least I hope so. As I will try to keep reassuring him. I think I will try to find something magical he can use as a prop-it's a great idea. Maybe some special Santa anti burglar spray that gives you courage-before you sleep. marvellous- perhaps a reassuring Lavendar smell or something? Where will I get some of that on Xmas eve! Santa of course!
Now there is the joy of Mumsnet- sharing ideas and you get a chance to think some through. Brilliant!
Oh by the way- it did start a few weeks ago when we moved his bedroom to the back of the house. I wonder if we should move it back again-although that wouldn't be very convenient for us? I'll try the magic anti burglar-lots of courge spray first!
Let you all know -and thanks!!!
Mery Xmas!!!(smile)

Ps- we already do story/wind down routine and have tried him listening to a story on head phones- but he got scared in the story because there was the sound of dogs barking and doesn't want a story anymore! Have got him a microwaveable waming teddy for comfort as a Xmas prezzie. Like you I think he needs as smuch reassurance/comforting as poss-thanks for the help! The reality is he's got wound up- high cortisol level- needs the reassurance before he gets there. i think he also needs some mental thoughts that calm him. Need Cog Beh therapy!! I will try some thought training that stems from him -"what can I say to myself that helps me feel better "type thing.
let ya know later as going away now.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZED----bought plastic spray can from garden centre and some lavendar and lilac scented oil to add a few drops to water- cost less than three quid!!!
Wrote " anti-burglar and extra courage spray" on the bottle- spary once on PJs and once in air. Love Santa.
left the bottle for him on Xmas eve and followed the instuctions. It was quite a strong smell and sprayed him omce and room once explaining that all will be fine now as the burglars hate nice smells can smell up to 5 miles away -like sharks, so thay won't come anywhere near our village now.

1st night he started to say- I feel scared so I took none of it- told him Santa wouldn't believe him now so stop getting scared.
GUESS WHAT a proper nights sleep at proper bed time ever since- " I am scared and sleeping at 9pm has disappeared!!!!!! Thoroughly recommend ir to all and sundry!!!!

BEST OF LUCK.(grin)