8 year old fears

My eight year old refuses to use the restroom by herself. It doesn't matter if she is at home or school. At home she will not use the restroom unless someone is with her, waiting by the door. When at school she will even hold as long as she can which has caused her to have frequent UTI infections. Also she is afraid to go to sleep by herself and will not sleep unless she has a sibling with her. If the kids want to sleep in their own rooms, she cries and has a hysterical fit. When it is bedtime, she will poke her head out the door and wait until I make eye contact with her down the hall and we have to turn the lights off at the same time. When my husband and I have a very rare night out, she constantly calls us and begs us to come home. Is this normal? What can I do? There is something about silence that scares her. She will continually talk and ramble if necessary and it is impossible to have quiet time.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

This behavior is evidence of an anxiety disorder and, since it is interfering with normal life for a child her age, you should arrange professional help. Specifically, make an appointment with a pediatric menatl health professioanl, such as a clinical psychologist or clinical social worker who specializes in treatment of children.