11yo Burgar Fears

[Sputnik57]

My 11 year old boy has always had a thing about burglars ever since we had a car stolen. Over the last few nights it has suddenly become a bit chronic and is keeping him awake (before he had fears but still slept quickly and soundly).

He hears normal night noises from outside / downstairs / next door and they make him paranoid, even though he realises that it's unlikely to be anyone in the house.

If it was an irrational fear then I could deal with it but in fairness to him, burglaries do happen so his worries are founded in fact.

He's a bright and sensible kid and I'm not a bit fan of leaving things to see if they get better but at the same time we're trying to make him a little more independant (big school next year!). Plus I don't sleep overly well myself and wouldn't like this to give him ongoing sleep issues.

Any ideas?

i was like this when i was about 9 or 10 after being told that our school had been broken into, and i remember the feeling still.it was horrible, you dont feel safe anymore as reality of real life has kicked in!!the only thing i can recommend is that you let him help you lock the back door, windows etc before bed. sorry i dont have anymore ideas.i just remember this feeling when i was little!

DD1 is like thias since we were burgled a year ago - she checks the doors are locked before she goes to bed which helps.