Karen's daughter, Amy, begged her mom to let her go on her first sleepover. But her friend retreated to her parents' bedroom, and when Amy awoke in the middle of the night, she discovered she was alone. On her next two overnights, Amy ate too much, leaving her feeling sick and anxious about asking the parents for help. The second time this happened, she called her mom and pleaded to come home. Karen picked her up at midnight and proclaimed no more sleepovers.
Overnights should be a fun part of growing up, says Laura Kirmayer, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. They also teach kids to sleep away from home. But overnights can be challenging—to kids and parents alike. When kids are anxious, a step-by-step scaffolding can help them face their fears and build bravery.
Dr. Kirmayer says ...
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