Friendships & Activities

How to Reassure a Homesick Child

“My nine-year-old gets homesick no matter where he goes, even sleeping over at his cousins’ house, a block away. How can we help him?”

Carol Brady, Ph.D.
By Carol Brady, Ph.D. Verified Updated on May 1, 2021
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Invite three or four friends to your house to do something your child enjoys—having pizza or playing a video game. Plan special events around special holidays: You could have a Cinco de Mayo festival or an MTV Video Award party. If your child shies away from groups, as do many ADHD children, invite just one or two friends over.  
Invite three or four friends to your house to do something your child enjoys—having pizza or playing a video game. Plan special events around special holidays: You could have a Cinco de Mayo festival or an MTV Video Award party. If your child shies away from groups, as do many ADHD children, invite just one or two friends over.  

A little separation anxiety isn’t unusual in a nine-year-old, but attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can exaggerate this common emotion. Kids with ADHD usually need extra time to make transitions. A little preparation and showing confidence in him should help him in both of these areas.

Next time he’s invited to a sleepover, make sure he really wants to go – so that he won’t feel he’s being sent away against his will. Describe the fun things he’ll do with his cousins or friends, and reassure him that he’ll enjoy spending the night there.

On the night of the sleepover, walk him to the corner and watch him until he reaches his cousins’ house. If he looks back at you, wave and smile.