Dear Blankie Girl,
You should know that you're not the only 9-year-old to sleep with a "blankie" or something else that serves the same purpose. Lots of kids your age and older use something like that. The blanket makes you feel comfortable and safe, so it's easier for you to fall asleep. If you just use your blanket at night, that's okay. When you're really ready to get rid of it, you will. You might try sleeping without it on a night when you're so tired you know you'll fall asleep right away. That will show you that you can sleep without it. To avoid being embarrassed by your "blankie," don't use it while you're watching TV, carry it around with you, or take it to sleepovers.