How to Prepare Children for Sleepovers

Sleepover (Image courtesy of http://www.urchin.co.uk)

1. Reading story books about overnight visits is very helpful. The library and the internet has a lot to offer about visiting Grandma, slumber parties, or staying with baby sitters. Start reading appropriate stories about a month before an overnight; this opens up opportunities for dialogue. (”Maybe someday, you could spend a weekend with Grandma all by yourself”).

2. Involve children in packing up their suitcases. The kids might end up taking along extra books and toys, but oftentimes, this is worth the extra baggage. When they get to their grandaparents’ house or sleepover place, they’ll be excited to show everyone what they’ve brought to play with. This is also a perfect opportunity to teach them about being responsible and accountable for their own things.

3. You may have your child bring along one of your sweaters scented with your favorite cologne. This is also comforting to a child.

4. Let the kids “camp out” on the living room or couch a couple of times before they spend a night away from home. When they do sleep at grandma’s or a friend’s house, also make sure they make their bed and clean up their own stuff.

5. Have your child bring a picture of you. He or she can look at it when loneliness strikes.

6. Tuck a note in their pillow case or their wallet saying “I love you.”

7. Before saying goodbye, kiss your child’s palm and tell him to put it in his pocket. When he feels lonely or upset he may take it out.