Addict inches his way toward recovery
This is weird, right? And what are the long-term psychological effects of this?
-- Worried
Dear Worried: No, I do not think it is "weird" for a child to co-sleep with parents. I especially don't think it's weird for a child whose parents have recently split to want to basically enjoy the security of sleeping with her dad when he has visitation.
The challenge in having a child co-sleep is that it can be hard to get them to stop, and there comes a time when the child should enjoy the security, privacy, and independence of being on her own, in her own space, at night. (Of course, parents need this, too.)
Children who sleep with their parents sometimes have trouble sleeping at other people's homes, when their folks aren't there, or in coping with being alone. That's a possible longer-term effect, but your job right now is to embrace your granddaughter and make her feel safe and secure -- and not at all weird.
Dear Amy: I loved your answer to "Happily Solitary," especially where you quoted from the wonderful song, "Wichita Lineman." You cited Glen Campbell as the artist, but, please -- let's also acknowledge the great Jimmy Webb, who wrote that song, as well as so many other classics.
-- Big Fan
Dear Fan: So many readers asked me to cite Jimmy Webb! Thank you all.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
