Kids going to sleepovers

[fliptheswitch]

Morning happy campers! :-)

Just got told by my sons teacher, they're having a sleepover in a couple of weeks, at the school.
They're going on camp next year (when he'll be in year six at Primary) and this sleepover is apparently like a trial run?
I asked where they're sleeping, and she told me either in the school hall, or in the church (it's a Catholic school), which I thought was a bit odd.

He's nearly ten, and I'm just unsure. He's never been away from home before, other than staying with my parents, so I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing.
Don't want to wrap him up in cotton wool, but at the same time I want him to be safe.

What would you do?

Thanks.

[ummmm]

Let him go.

Why would you possibly think he might not be safe in the place he spends 5 days a week?

[EvianBaby]

If he can't spend one night in the school hall how's he going to handle the camp?

[factor-fiction]

I did it loads of times when I was in the cubs (aged 8-10) - sleeping on the cub hut floor, sleeping on the church floor (wouldn't do it now- there may well be rats around), sleeping in tents on campsites.
Most of us loved it.

[NOX]

Totally good idea, I'm not really sure what you're worried about Flip- he's 10 so not a baby, he'll be close to home in case of problems and with people who you trust to look after him all week. I think it's a great idea:)

[fliptheswitch]

Yeah, ok. I understand what your saying, I'm just really nervous about it. I don't know why, and it's not that I don't trust the people who look after him 5 days of the week, but I think being away from home at his age, is quite a big thing.
Nox is right, I guess, he's not a baby.
Do you think giving him a mobile phone (in case he needs/wants to contact me) would look a bit mental?

[ummmm]

Has he not already got one?

[fliptheswitch]

Er... no. Should he have?

[NOX]

No not mental at all, good idea for kids to have one imho:)

[B00]

Mine, then aged 5, slept overnight in the school with her Rainbows group (pre Brownies), they had a blast and I struggled to get her home the following morning, she didn't want to leave!

[fliptheswitch]

Oh right. I have thought about getting one in the past, but I honestly thought he was too young. The only place he ever goes without me, is to school, so he's never really needed one, really.
Thanks for putting my mind at rest, and I'll definitely get him a phone to take.

Thankyou... and have a nice day :-)

[B00]

I also think getting him a phone is bit OTT, but if it appeases you, then get one.

What's he said about it? He obviously wants to go- doesn't he?

[fliptheswitch]

B00, yeah he definitely wants to go. I did say that I wasn't sure about it, and he had a massive strop!
Eddie, ah, so it's not uncommon to be worried then :)

[yogi-bear]

Morning Flip and everyone :0)

Never had a problem with ANY of the sleepovers that our four children have been too .......of course you must feel a bit worried, as you say, that your son has'nt been away from home other than staying with your parents, but he'll love it....it's an experience for him and as long as he wants to go, i would let him without a hesitation. It's common for schools to have "trial runs" if longer trips are planned and is perfectly normal.

I have lost count on all the sleepovers either we have had, and that our children have been invited and gone along too, flip, so try not to worry......you'll be fine after the 3rd or 4th one in times to come.

All the best and hope your little lad enjoys himself if he goes to the school sleepover.

yogi

[fliptheswitch]

Ah, thanks Yogi. That was a really nice reply, and has definitely made me feel more at ease with the whole thing.
I haven't had any kind of experience with any of this before, so the "sleep over" at school, was all new to me.

Thanks again :-)

[yogi-bear]

No worries, flip........perfectly normal to worry at first....you're a mum after all :0).......your son will come back and say he wants to do it again....you'll see.

btw...I have a 10 year old too who loves sleepovers and camping.

Good luck, my lovely :0)

[fliptheswitch]

Ah, thanks guys :-)

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with all the others, he will love it - the first time our little ones take a new step is far more scary for us than it is for them.

You are concerned because you care, so all good.