My Middle Schooler Can’t Fall Asleep by Herself – What Can I Do?
From Talkaboutable with Dr. Susan Swick by Lemonada Media
October 14, 2025 · 41 min · Episode 6
About this episode
The episode discusses strategies to help children overcome sleep anxieties, particularly during the transition to middle school.
How can we help our kids let go of their anxieties and surrender to sleep? That’s the question we’re tackling today. This father of two opens up about his 11-year-old daughter’s struggle to fall asleep at night. He can’t seem to figure out why his daughter is so independent during the day but unable to be left alone at night. Together, we discuss tools to help her sleep, plus why big transitions like starting middle school can disrupt a kid’s confidence and calm demeanor. Talkaboutable is produced by Lemonada Media, in partnership with the Ohana Center for Child and Family Mental Health at Montage Health, and made possible through funding from the Montage Health Foundation. Together, we are committed to helping families talk about the issues children, teens, and young adults are facing today. We believe that when these conversations happen at home — even about the most challenging subjects — children build the skills they need to flourish. Because when families are connected, the hard moments become more bearable, the good moments become even better, and it all becomes Talkaboutable. Stay up to date with Lemonada on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Joining Lemonada…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Susan Swick
Guest: father of two
Topics covered
- child anxiety
- sleep issues
- middle school transition
- parenting
- mental health
Keywords
- sleep
- anxiety
- middle school
- parenting tips
- child mental health
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Lemonada Media, Ohana Center for Child and Family Mental Health, Montage Health, Montage Health Foundation
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