Help- 7 year old does not want to go to bed

[karenal]

We live Mississippi where Katrina hit in 2005. My son was 4. We rode the storm out at my mothers house and they had minor damage. We also had minor damage but live very close to the beach so saw complete devestation, My son struggled to sleep for months afterwards.Then he was put on asthma medicine and that affected his sleeping patterns. Unaware it was the medicine, I kept giving it to him until I called pediatritian and she said it might be medicine. Stopped that and it took two moths to correct sleeping patterns. Finally all was well until we were threatened with another storm. We once again went to my mothers  house with animals and belonging in tow. The storm missed Mississippi and went to Louisianna.However, my son is having same problems sleeping now. He just starts to act out as soon as he has to go to bed. I am tired and frustrated...

[Agiesmom]

I imagine he's scared (and understandably so) and needs reassurance--to feel safe.  I'd let him sleep on the floor in your room if he wants to.  Or at least tell him that if he wakes in the night and needs to be near you, he can come in and sleep on the floor in your room.  I did this with my son and he did not experience something so frightening.  I think that once he feels secure and knows all is well and knows he can go to you whenever he isn't feeling so secure, he'll be fine.

[margypops]

He is still anxious about the storms reassure him that you are with him and that you will make sure he is okay, it is good you stopped the Meds if he didnt need them , most of them have side effects ,Time will help, but if you are living in an area of storms you have to accept most children will be anxious and upset, the only other thing to do is Move to another state.