How to Prepare a Kid For Their First Night Away From Home

Whether it be for a night at grandma's or a stay at summer camp, preparing your child to spend his first night away from home can be a nerve-wracking experience.When it comes to preparing your child for their first night away from home, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

How to Prepare a Kid For Their First Night Away From Home

1. Display confidence. Your child will easily be able to tell how you feel about him staying the night somewhere else from your words, body language and emotions. Convey confidence in your child, his host and in your decision to let him stay away from home for the night.
2. Talk about expectations. Let him know that the rules may be different and unless they put him in danger or make him feel very uncomfortable, he really needs to follow the "house rules" of his host. Set up a time to check in with each other if possible. You may also want to role play different scenerios, for example if he doesn't like the food, how can he handle it.
3. Brainstorm on what to do if he gets scared. From saying a prayer to calling home, talk about what he can do if he gets nervous and wants to come home. If coming home truly isn't going to be an option, be sure to be clear about that up front.
4. Keep the good-byes short and sweet. You want to let your child know you feel safe dropping him off and if you prolong your departure he may wonder just how safe he is.

Tips & Warnings

• Inform your child's host of any allergies or special circumstances.
• Stay reachable during your child's first night away.
• Before you let your child stay at someones home, be sure you know the family well.