Children on sleepovers

[brawburd]

How to manage when child decides he doesn't want to stay!



Take one four year old who wants to come and stay overnight. fast forward a few hours until he changes his mind. Enter complete distress and no chance of ever falling asleep until he is back in his own bed. Help!

[andy hughes]

This is a common problem - little ones who love the idea of a night in a strange bed, until they get tired, and the overwhelming need for familiarity and security takes over. Why not arrange for your visitor to come and stay quite late, playing in the room in which he or she will sleep, and then going home - this will familiarise them with the feeling that the room is familiar at bed time. Next, on the overnight day, introduce a story, or game, which can only be played then your visitor is actually in bed - make it a real treat or favourite. If you time it right, your little one will be tired enough to drop off in their 'new' bed, but make surte you leave a night light on, and pop in every few minutes to reassure them. Make occasional movements around the house to reassure your visitor that you are still there - maybe turn the telly up a little, or hum as you visit the bathroom. These all build security and should alleviate the distress - eventually. Good luck!

[woofgang]

has the child stayed for an hour, then two, then had an afternoon nap at the house before the full on sleepover? has he or she stayed there with a parent first?

[brawburd]

hi woofgang, he is very familiar with the house, often staying happily with us for 12 hours at a time without either of his parents. He is also fine when falls asleep during day, and yes has stayed here with parents. He just can't handle the whole night thing!

[football]

andy was OK until he got to the bit about turning the telly up. I hate having the telly so loud that its not like home. How you complain on holiday when the noisy bar keeps you awake, how would you like it?