anxiety or tantrums????

[2boys1princess]

my husband recently started a night-shift job (5pm-5am) because we can't afford daycare anymore since the addition of our third child, we have three beautiful kids 7, 3 and 9mths. since he started this new job, my normally well behaved 7year old has been acting very strangely at bedtime. it first stared w/ going to the bathroom right before going to bed. he would just sit there until i had to literally get him out. then once i finally got him to bed, he gets up at least 5-7 times to "go". then this whole week it's gotten worse. along w/ the bathroom routine, he starts crying uncontrollably, saying that he's scared and that he hears noises. i understand that he may be scared and aware that my husband is not there at nights and i'm sure that's the reason for his behavior. but he worries me and i feel like i've done everything i can think of to help him, i'm at my wits end with him, especially because i know that he's a very good boy. we've talked to him so many times, i've tried to reassure him that nothing is going to happen. we're staying up to at least 3am and i get up at 5am to go to work. . i'm tired, sleepy and i'm losing my patience. i don't know what else to do. should i take him to a specialist or to his regular doctor? any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you

[imcrazy2]

I have the same problem with 2 of mine.  My almost 4 year-old is up till 2 every night.  The only thing that works (sometimes) for me is to sit in the hallway or their bedroom till they fall asleep.  I also just ordered Lori Lite's series of books/ audio CD's.  They are supposed to ease stress and anxiety in children, and help them relax through calming stories.....we'll see.  You can look on amazon.com.  They have GREAT reviews.
Have you tried the ol' water spray bottle?  You put plain or slightly scented water (try vanilla) in a spray bottle, and tell the child that it is "magic" water to keep them safe/ keep bad dreams away/ etc.  
Didn't work here, but I have heard of good results for others. I have a psych appt. for mine.  Good luck!