How to have a child gain confidence for bedtime?

[Alex_Bright]

I have a ten year old child who is very anxious and afraid at bedtime. Either he doesn't know why, or there are monsters. We've been through making his bed as cozy as he likes or changing the room layout. He has stuffed animals he loves.

Now thanks to AI, I'm going into his room every 5 minutes just so he hears me enter without saying anything. That seemed to help but even with that he would call me in between because he's afraid, wants to drink or another question. We already go over the list of drinking etc beforehand. I read him a story every night, unless it's incredibly late.

How can I get him to relax and gain confidence with this, any experience?

Updates

4 mo

I just thought about simple breathing exercices before bedtime, the ones that turn off fight or flight. I'll go with that and see if it helps him. Thanks all.

[CuriousMufuxka]

You're probably not going to like this but.. He's 10! There's some overdue tough love that needs to be exercised. Santa isn't real, the Easter bunny is a myth, and the tooth fairy is more likely a serial killer that collects a molar from each of her victims.

PS Don't tell the boy about the last part..

[DreamCrescent]

maybe there are evil spirits in the room. a little cleanse to make it safer for him to sleep

or strengthen his own spirit to protect him so they don’t bother him

like you said he’s 10. being scared and cannot explain why kindof points to maybe another world

[CuriousMufuxka]

@DreamCrescent Haha Ha Ha Ha..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5YRGyipBqA

[slatyb]

Wow, what else is happening in his life?

[Alex_Bright]

Divorced parents, included in legal drama (not by me), recent move by me and his mother, and therapists since he might qualify for mental handicap status. He likes his new bedroom and takes it all like a champ.

[slatyb]

Wow, my heart aches for him.

[Anonymous]

Talk to parents. I have no idea.