2 year old now won’t self settle and wakes up during night

[Franktank19]

Help! Since turning two my son will not self settle and screams himself to sleep unless I sit on and hold his hand - what should I do? I hate hearing him get so worked up but he often takes 45 mins to go off even if I am in with him.
He has 1 nap during the day for 1.5hrs waking no later than 3pm and goes to bed at 7.
He also cry’s when going into nursery now.
Any tips?! Will this end?!

It sounds like it's anxiety related.

I would committ to staying nearby (working towards just staying upstairs) while he goes to sleep in the long term. That way he trust you to keep him feeling secure and reassured.

Initially try laying your hand on his, ratger than holding his hand, until he 7s asleep.

Then start laying your hand on him yo settle, but remove your hand but stay leaning over him (not touching) when calm. But put hand back if upset, remove again once calm. But stay leaning close by until asleep.

Then move towards leaning close and hand on his when upset, but stand when calm. Back when upset, withdraw to standing when calm. Stay until asleep.

Then move a step away when calm. Stay until asleep, and continue withdrawing in this way until you get to the point where you just settle him when upset, but committ and promise to stay upstairs until he's asleep.

Thank you so much, I will try this