Is My Child Ready for a Sleepover ?
By Jeanne Coates
Letting your child go on their first sleepover is a very big step for parents . It requires trust of both your child and the household where they will be . What should you consider before that first invitation comes in ?
Is your child ready ?
1 . Has your child already stayed overnight somewhere without you ( perhaps with other family members ) without getting scared or crying ?
2 . Does your child know a potential sleepover friend well , and do they get along on playdates ?
3 . Can your child get themselves ready for bed — brushing teeth , putting on pajamas — without adult help ?
4 . Can your child generally get through the night without nightmares or crying ?
5 . Can your child be away from you for several hours at a time without getting anxious ?
6 . Does your child do well when socializing with other kids ’ families or eating their food ?
7 . Can your child ask other adults , besides you , for help ?
8 . Is your child excited by the prospect of a sleepover ?
Ways to help your child get ready :
1 . Offer to host . Let your child have the first sleepover on their turf , or do a trial run where they eat dinner at a friends house and do common sleepover activities , but go home before bed dressed in pajamas . It is best to start out one-on-one instead of with a crowd .
2 . Ask questions of the other parents and share with your child
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