Podcast Summary: "I Don't Like Sleepovers" – Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
• Host/Author: Dr. Laura Schlessinger & SiriusXM
• Episode: I Don't Like Sleepovers
• Release Date: March 23, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "I Don't Like Sleepovers," Dr. Laura Schlessinger addresses the emotional and psychological challenges faced by a young caller, Margaret, a 13-year-old navigating the complexities of her parents' divorce. This episode delves deep into the impact of familial changes on a teenager's well-being, particularly focusing on Margaret's discomfort with sleepovers at her father's house and her friend's residences.

Caller Introduction

Margaret introduces herself as a 13-year-old in the 8th grade who enjoys social studies but struggles with math. She articulately expresses her feelings, setting the stage for a heartfelt conversation about her personal struggles.

• Margaret: "I really like my teacher and I like doing the projects and like that type of stuff." [00:27]
• Dr. Laura: "So you tend to be more artistic." [01:37]

Main Issues Discussed

1. Difficulty Sleeping Away from Home

   Margaret confides in Dr. Laura about her challenges with sleeping at her father's house and her friends' houses. She experiences anxiety and has recurring bad dreams, often fearing for her mother's safety.

   • Margaret: "My parents are divorced and I'm having trouble sleeping at my dad's house and friend's houses." [01:59]
   • Margaret: "Sometimes I'm like, worrying about stuff that might happen to my mom while I'm not there and also just having bad dreams." [02:13]

2. Impact of Parental Divorce

   The divorce occurred when Margaret was three years old, and she now has a half-sibling. Adjusting to her father's new family dynamics has been challenging, leading to feelings of displacement and jealousy over the attention given to the younger children.

   • Margaret: "I feel like that was kind of like a hard switch, so they require so much." [04:38]
   • Dr. Laura: "I always tell people if you're going to divorce when you have small children, don't have boyfriends and girlfriends living with you... it hurts the kids you already have." [12:10]

3. Sleepover Experiences and School Trip Concerns

   Margaret shares her limited sleepover experiences, highlighting her discomfort with staying up late and feeling overwhelmed by friends' expectations during such events. Additionally, she expresses apprehension about an upcoming overnight school trip, fearing it won't be as enjoyable as previous experiences.

   • Margaret: "It's very fun, but it's just, like, so invigorating that then it's hard to go to sleep... it's just, like, annoying." [10:03]
   • Margaret: "I don't really want to go. But in sixth grade, I went to outdoor school and I had... it was one of my favorite things I ever done, but I just don't want to go to this one." [15:38]

Dr. Laura's Advice

1. Coping with Family Changes

   Dr. Laura acknowledges Margaret's feelings, emphasizing that it's natural to feel upset about the changes in her family structure. She advises Margaret to find comfort in personal objects, like a favorite teddy bear, to maintain a connection with her mother while at her father's house.

   • Dr. Laura: "I wish I had a little bit of magic... but all I can tell you is bring your teddy bear. Don't leave it there. Bring it back and forth." [12:10]
   • Dr. Laura: "You sound mature and sweet and smart, and it just hurts my heart... so you can call me back anytime if you just want to get some stuff off your chest." [14:00]

2. Encouraging Resilience and Facing New Experiences

   Addressing Margaret's hesitation about the school trip, Dr. Laura encourages her to embrace the discomfort as an opportunity for growth. She highlights the importance of not letting fear prevent her from engaging in potentially rewarding activities.

   • Dr. Laura: "New things are scary and uncomfortable. But if we keep avoiding new things, we miss out on hiking and planting and learning new stuff and meeting some people who could be nice." [16:04]
   • Dr. Laura: "I urge you to do the trip... because when we start getting into a habit of avoiding things because they're uncomfortable, we end up not having much of an exciting life." [16:29]

3. Communication with Parents

   Dr. Laura touches on the difficulty of discussing disciplinary roles with a parent post-divorce, understanding Margaret's fear of upsetting her father. She subtly suggests that as Margaret grows older, she might have more agency in expressing her preferences regarding living arrangements.

   • Dr. Laura: "It's kind of hard to have that conversation with a dad. You worry that he's going to be mad, you know. I understand that." [08:58]
   • Dr. Laura: "At some point when you get older... you might talk to your dad and say, you know what? I don't want to come as often." [12:30]

Conclusion

The episode "I Don't Like Sleepovers" offers a compassionate exploration of a teenager's struggle with parental divorce and the ensuing challenges of adapting to new family dynamics. Dr. Laura provides Margaret with empathetic guidance, reinforcing the importance of resilience, communication, and personal coping mechanisms. By addressing both immediate concerns and long-term strategies, the episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners navigating similar familial transitions.

Notable Quotes:

• Margaret: "Sometimes I'm like, worrying about stuff that might happen to my mom while I'm not there and also just having bad dreams." [02:13]
• Dr. Laura: "New things are scary and uncomfortable. But if we keep avoiding new things, we miss out..." [16:04]
• Dr. Laura: "You sound mature and sweet and smart, and it just hurts my heart..." [14:00]

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Validation: Acknowledging and validating Margaret's feelings is crucial in helping her navigate the emotional turmoil caused by her parents' divorce.
• Coping Mechanisms: Personal objects and connections can provide comfort during unsettling times.
• Facing Discomfort: Embracing new and uncomfortable experiences can lead to personal growth and resilience.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue with parents can help in addressing and alleviating internal conflicts.

For more insights and advice, listeners are encouraged to tune into Dr. Laura Schlessinger's daily radio program on SiriusXM Triumph 111 and visit DrLaura.com to become a Family member.