Panic Room at 5AM

This is a second time I as informed my 10 3/4 yrs old son waked up by
some noises in his house and panicked, except this time, x called (her
voice panicked also) and informed that he wanted me to come over to
inspect the house. Of course, there was no break-in, just cracking
noise as the wood expand/contract. The first time, it happened at 2AM,
they couldn't sleep for the next 2 hrs. I lived alone in that house
for a yr or so, once a rare while I heard some noise, to make sure
there were no break-in I just fetch a big knife in the kitchen and
walked around with a kitchen knife to inspect windows.

What x did was opposite to how I act, her voice is scared and hide in
her room ; while I made my presence known.

When I was in that house with son, he even slept by himself in his own
room. I think because x is scared herself living alone in the house,
and her fright somehow infects him. the night before, he slept in the
other room in my apt w/o any problem. Might be a dog would fix the
problem?

Any men / women have similar problem sleeping alone in a house after
divorce with children?

Boliath...

A dog would definitely help, when I have to stay alone in the house I'm
comforted by the dog, knowing that she will 1. react to any strange
noises and 2. potentially deter an intruder allows me to sleep in peace.

Joy...

While I personally never had a bit of trouble sleeping alone in a house, I
do know someone whose husband travels extensively who has this problem when
he's out of town. Having a small dog works for her - this particular dog
really only barks when somebody comes (doesn't bark at misc noises) so her
subconscious is OK with letting the dog be the "sentinel" and as long as the
dog is in the house she can sleep. I'd say it depends on the dog, though,
because if you had a dog that barked at any odd noise it could be
counterproductive.

As Wick said, an alarm system might be just as good on average (less
barking, but also less cuddly)

stasya...

I think they will both get used to it and over it in a couple of weeks.
I was nervous the first time I lived in a house alone with my kids, but
now I'm ok with it. I'm a bit of a nervous nelly, I'd freeze and listen

wickedways...

and I don't even lock my doors or half the time remember to CLOSE
them!!!

really closely if one of the kids woke up and cry just to make sure
it's them. I won't rent any scary movies or anything either! And it
really depends on the type of dog if they want to do that, my parents
have a small dog that does bark at mysteries once in a while, which
really gives your nerves a shock for nothing.