Sleeping over refers to a situation in which one spends a night in a friend’s or colleague’s house. A slumber party may also be likened to this but only differs in the sense that many people are involved.
A lock-in also involves multiple persons but differs in the sense that it is carried out in a setting rather than a private home such a setting could be a church or a school.
It is worthy of note that in the above mentioned, sleeping over is usually carried out by children or young ones with the sole of reuniting and having fun.
Sleepovers entails having the participants spend the night together. However, this may warrant having some precautionary measures that necessarily not needed in a get together readily available.
Sleepovers also refers to long periods of time without an adult being present in an enclosed area while having other children available. It normally requires a certain level of Independence.
Sleepover parties are usually organized for children preparing to assert some level of adulthood.
Reasons why sleepovers are important for children
It helps children encounter new experiences
Sleepovers bring new experiences to children. They experience new cultural ways of living, the eat different varieties of food, they get to relate with people with different habits.
Although many children may feel very uncomfortable with it, it won’t Outlast the moment they will definitely experience. During sleepovers many children could be violent, but the parent or guardian must be able to manage this amicably to avoid circumstances beyond control.
Sleepovers help children achieve that level independence. Sleepovers sometimes are really difficult especially for children who are used to their siblings and parents and also for children who haven’t done it before.
It helps to the kids achieve some level of independence
There is nothing like your child’s first residential trip to show up with kids who have experienced sleepovers and those who have not experienced it.
Obviously, the ones who have not experienced sleepovers will always become afraid due to the fact that they are used to sleeping around their parents.
Sleepovers should however be encouraged amongst parents to assist the kids build some level independence which will enable our children strive even in our absence.
And sleepovers in secure and conducive environment are good examples in which this could be achieved. Sleepovers can also impact positive behavioral patterns on the child.
For instance, the child learns to arrange his clothes properly, he learns to pick the appropriate clothing for bed time, he learns table manners he might probably ignore at home, he learns communication ethics and how to create boundaries.
It also enables the child to overcome the anxiety and pressure of not having his parents around.
It enables children build and great relationships
Sleepovers are fearful bonding relationships especially for growing up kids. But in the other hand they are likely to make and build great relationships.
This will certainly occur especially if they are going to mix up with other children from different homes and backgrounds.
Of course, this could also be achievable at schools and at clubs during holidays but honestly sleepovers bring a more intimate bond and connection than those aforementioned.
Children learn on modest ways to behave in someone’s else’s house
Every home has it do’s and don’ts and as well as it rules and regulations. However, sleepovers give the children the opportunity to learn that social boundaries could sometimes be different and how they can easily adjust to enable them adapt.
Sometimes their friend’s parents can be stricter than their own parents or other way round. Sleepovers will enable them make adjustments in cases like this.
You can make the transition of children staying at your house smoother by being upfront from the off says Tanith Carey author of Mum Hacks: Time saving Tips to Calm Family Life.
Briefly state out clearly what the rules are around when their books, toys and electronic devices will be collected. Work out rules in agreement with your kids to know what you exactly expect from them and their friends.
State out where children can play and the restricted zone for them. As well as the number of snacks they can consume in a day. This will enable the visiting children stay coordinated.
Sleepovers brings excitement and joy to children
children sometimes are in need of so much fun and joy from and it is however well noted that that sleepovers bring that that desired joy especially when it involves many children.
The parent in whose home the sleepover is taking place can make a little variety of dishes for the kids not forgetting to add some snacks which they children derive pleasure in eating.
She can organize some intelligent games for the children to make it merrier. It could game like truth or dare, spelling competition, eating competition and so on.
How to reduce sleepover anxiety
- Decorate your children’s room with really beautiful lights and flower: You can design the room with Christmas lights, and flowers. This will really make the children get attracted to the room and put off the fears of sleeping over especially for the fearful children who are normally scared of sleeping in the dark.
- Bedtime should be early: overtiredness can sometimes bring about fears and worries amongst children. Factor in the talk time for children once they are in bed and make the atmosphere as conducive as possible. Also avoid getting crossed so as to decrease the nerves of the visiting child.
- Reassure the children of your availability: show them where your room is situated and promise them of your availability when needed. They should be that degree of assurance that you are there to attend to their needs anytime.
- Make sure your children have a comforter: If toys are not very cool for them, you can offer them some other cool enough that will make them feel comfortable and save Or shirt with your smell or their favorite through pillow.
References;
- Judith Ancer, sleepovers need not be nightmares” The Sunday Times (South Africa) June 10, 2012”.
- Edward Elved, sleep overs a rite of passage of kids” Chicago Tribune August 12, 2005
- Barbara F. Meltz” The sleep over a rite of passage” Boston Globe, October 13, 1994.
- Peter Annenin, “slumbering around” Newsweek, November 4, 1996 via questia
