Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
Preteen Suddenly Won't Sleep Alone | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Needlman,
My 11-year-old doesn't want to sleep alone in his room. We've talk to him about what might be bothering him in school, etc., and he says nothing is wrong. He will fall asleep once I or my husband lie down with him. This just started. What can we do? Thank you.— Tired Mom in New Jersey | | | ANSWER |
August 23, 2001 | | | Dear Tired Mom,
What you are describing is an unusual complaint. Generally, 11-year-olds who have been sleeping on their own for years don't feel comfortable with a parent in their bed and wouldn't dream of insisting on that. So, I think that it is likely that there really is something going on that your son either can't or won't tell you about. It may not be anything serious--possibly something that is making your son feel uncomfortable that he is embarrassed to ask about, perhaps relating to the start of puberty.
There are things, of course, that young teens simply are not comfortable talking about with their parents. If your son has been going to the same pediatrician, family practitioner, or nurse practitioner for a while, you might consider making a visit and allowing your son to have a private talk with that trusted professional. Otherwise, there may be a school counselor or member of the clergy, or a responsible and sensitive relative, who could play the same role.— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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