Questioner: Anonymous
Subject: 14 year old daughter wanting baby’s bottle
Question: My ex-husband (alcoholic) and I recently divorced 8 months ago and my daughter aged 14 currently stays with me. She has developed insecurity about sleeping on her own, and wants to sleep with me (her mother). Also, she has started to play-play saying she wants bottle and baby;’s dummy – is this normal and is it some sort of security that she is seeking? She did stay with her father for 2 years prior to coming to me, and apparently her, her brother (17 years) and her father used to sleep in the same bed together!
Answer: Dear Anonymous:
While it is normal for a teen to feel a sense of set back for a divorce. I would encourage you to seek some counseling as she sounds like she needs some support to adjust to the changes. I am also seriously concerned about the family sleep togethers. It would be best to get some family counseling intervention for the entire family or if this is not possible for both you and her now.
Best Wishes.
M Kay Keller
