LIFE

Dear Carol,

I have noticed a problem when I sleep away from home, like at friends’ houses. I’ll be having a good time, then out of nowhere my stomach starts to hurt. Sometimes it feels like it won’t go away, and I get so nervous because of the pain that I call my parents to come pick me up. Any advice?

- Sleepover Anxiety

Dear Sleepover Anxiety,

Many girls struggle with sleepovers. But slumber parties are fun, so I hope you can power through the discomfort. Instead of worrying about worrying, try to beat back your slumber party jitters. Your stomach is twisting up? Tell yourself that you are brave, and it’s happened before and you’ll be fine. Is there any chance the stomachaches are from a food you’re not used to? Probably not, but hey, worth asking. Is the distress because of pressure to drink or do something you don’t want to do? If so, listen to your gut and know that you may be right to call home. Two more ideas: Can you invite a few girls for an overnight? Or have a practice sleepover at your cousin’s or grandparents’?

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Ava and Pip and Speed of Life, a novel about a 14-year-old girl who writes to an advice columnist. Carol's audiobooks are on Spotify. More at carolweston.com and on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

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by GL | 11/2/2024