Sleepovers are seemingly all fun, but surprisingly, not in all cases. For some sensitive kids, such activity can trigger a sense of anxiety and in some cases, even a downright scare.
Getting to spend a night at someone else's home, away from the supervision of their own parents, is an adventure that every kid looks forward to. Hanging out with their closest friends, staying up late, whispering coded messages to each other and perhaps surreptitiously raiding the fridge at midnight, perhaps as a dare, can very well be etched into their growing-up narrative. It's seemingly all fun, but surprisingly, not in all cases. For some kids, especially those who are very sensitive, such activity can trigger a sense of anxiety and in some cases, even a downright scare. Those kids, of course, will have a bit of a problem to settle down during a sleepover, more so, if it's their first.
If, as a parent, you faced such a situation, don't you fuel up the concern. Just try these easing off strategies to help your kids to get smoothly through the night.
Ready, Steady...... Now, Go
The right moment will actually depend on both of your personalities, comfort level, and preferences. It should not be, “Everybody in your kindergarten class is doing it, so should you.”
It helps to talk about it amongst yourself first and then with all involved in a fun meet-up, before the actual sleepover. For the very first occasion, you might even stay over. Alternatively, it can be trialled with an overnight alone at their grandparent's or a close relative's home.
The First One Is Very Important
A decent first sleepover will help the kid build up the confidence. As a corollary, a negative experience can leave scared — at least, for a quite a while. So, make sure there is no bully in the premier sleepover group and rather, each one genuinely likes to spend time with your kid. Also, he feels comfortable with the family, where he is going to spend the night. On your part, you will have to ascertain that the household is reliable and sensitive to your kids as well.
Let The Kid Choose
Sometimes, it is just easier to let the kid choose, especially true for the first sleepover and settle for the best option. It necessarily may not be his best friend or close buddies. He might want a sleepover with his sports mates or a bunch of fellow adventure seekers.
Pack A Security Blanket
If Linus from Snoopy (the comic strip) has one, why can't your kid. Favourite superhero/cartoon pyjamas/towels, comfort toy(which may not be taken out), cartoon-character toothbrush, even your reminder T-Shirt — all can help to calm the nerves.
