7 to 8: Hanging with Auntie

Whether it's the first or the tenth time, leaving your child overnight often evokes excitement for everyone--people all need the occasional break, after all--but also guilt and worry. Your 7- or 8-year-old may have the same kinds of feelings. Children this age are becoming more independent in all aspects of their lives. As a result, 7- and 8-year-olds commonly engage in a "push and pull" with parental attention--needing it immensely at some points and shunning it at others. Anthony explains why leaving one's child in another's care is a learning opportunity.