6 year old won't sleep

[natnat7501]

I have a 6 year old boy. He has his own room and it has everything in it a child would love: a TV w/ DVD and VCR, a computer, XBOX game, etc. He has a nice bed and lots of toys. His father and I are going through a divorce (will be final this month actually). My son and I have been living with my new boyfriend for several months now. The two of them interact very well so I don't believe there is an issue there. At night, he has a very difficult time going to sleep. Our evening routine is he gets a bath at 8:30 and he's laying in his bed at 9pm. I set the timer on his TV for 60 minutes, kiss him good night and then go into the living room. He stays up after the TV goes off and I'm not even sure what time he eventually falls asleep. When I wake him in the morning, I have a difficult time getting him up. And, when I walk into his room, the blinds on his window have been raised; as if he'd been looking out the window while it's dark. He cries almost every night when I kiss him good night. Says he doesn't want me to leave the room. Wants me to lay with him and cuddle. It hurts me to see him upset but I don't think it's healthy that I lay with him every night. Help!

[natnat7501]

Yes, he says he's afraid to sleep alone. He may be afraid of his father. His father and I are divorcing for many reasons but his temper is one of the major reasons. My son has witnessed several acts of anger from his father yet remains very close to him. His father is very manipulative and tells him lies. We were each evaluated by a social worker in July of this year. My son revealed some disturbing remarks that his father told him about me...all of which 1) no child should be told these things 2) were not true. My ex his still obsessed with me and continues to cry to our 6 year old and turn to him for support. That is one of the reasons I am wanting to limit his visitation and time alone with his father. It just hasn't been healthy.
As far as him being afraid of my boyfriend...I don't think he is. My boyfriend is a little older than I am and is quite patient and relaxed around my son. They do play together and have talks about different things on a very positive and good-communication level. It's nice to see them interact well. My ex always had a short temper with our son and it's been a nice change seeing how my son can relate to a different male role model. And, my boyfriend makes it clear to my son that he wants to be his buddy and won't try to take the place of his dad.
He might be afraid of not having a family...that's possible.
I know I do not talk badly about his dad--ever. Even though sometimes I have to bite my tongue, I simply do not take out my adult frustration on my 6 year old. That's selfish and I wouldn't hurt him

[jdtm]

It sounds as if your son is afraid.  Is he afraid of not seeing his father?  Is he afraid of the new boyfriend?  Is he afraid of losing his mother?  Is he afraid of not having a family?  Is he being bullied at school?

Perhaps he just needs to spend more time with his father and mother.  As Dr. Phil says, when there is a divorce, it is the children who suffer most.