Will Sleepovers With an Infant be Traumatic?
Our resident clinical psychologists offer replies to reader questions submitted anonymously to Ask the Psychologist.
Reader’s Question
I’m a 37-year-old male in a broken relationship. We just had a baby, a newborn. Things have not been going well but we are getting along. Unfortunately, we are talking child support and custody issues within two weeks of our newborn. I was wondering what are the consequences for sleepovers of a newborn with the other parent from time to time?
Is this going to be a traumatic experience?
Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
If the other parent (noncustodial) is loving and caring, this would not be a traumatic experience. When considering infants however, noncustodial sleepovers may be difficult for the parent as infants develop a routine in their home. When that routine is disrupted, a sleepless night for the noncustodial parent might be anticipated.
As you suggest, the best outcome for the child in the future is for his/her parents to be able to get along and always look to the best interests of the child.
Other questions answered by Dr Joseph M Carver, PhD
This article was last reviewed by on Wednesday, 23rd January 2008.
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