A guide for minimal stress during every parent’s worst nightmare
As Winter rolls around, nothing sounds nicer than snuggling up on the sofa after a long day and relaxing in the peace and quiet, maybe with some candles and a nice cup of tea – ideal, right? But your child has other ideas. As the nights become darker, children have less time to play outside with their friends, and activities start to move indoors. And we all know kids – they never want playtime to end, so its gets later and later, until it’s an all-night occasion – and there goes your lovely evening.
But fear not, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can plan a stress-free sleepover, so you should get maximum sleep and the children have minimum dramas, but with all the fun left in. Everyone remembers their first sleepover, the most exciting time of never-ending play and chatting, but not only are these fun, they also have many benefits for children;
- Sleepovers help to boost independence – Parents should build up chunks of independence that enable children to manage without them for short stretches of time. Sleepovers also teach new skills, such as packing clothes, getting ready for bed without mum and dad being around and help to overcome separate anxiety.
- Experts agree that whilst children are at a sleepover, they are forced to do things for themselves – whether it’s asking for a drink or figuring out where the bathroom is, this aids personal development.
- Children are able to strengthen bonds and make new friends – the excitement of a night time spent together makes this bonding more intimate.
How to Survive a Sleepover Infographic by Mattress Online.
If sleepovers feel like an unorganised, chaotic experience, you aren’t going to want to host them. But think of it this way, if you can host a successful sleepover, then other parents will do the same and you’ll get a night of rest away with the kids away in return. So really, it’s rewarding for both the kids, and for you!
Mattress Online have created this guide to ensure that you can survive a sleepover.