Off to Grandma's House

Your child may be eagerly awaiting an invitation to stay the night at a friend's house. But are you, the parent ready to say yes? Several things must be taken into consideration before your child should accept the invitation.

candyland game

Ask the parents if your child needs to bring a pillow and a sleeping bag. If he is at an age where he needs to bring a special teddy bear or blanket, allowing him to take it along will make it easier on everyone.

CANDYLAND

Make sure that a suitcase of some sort has been packed and all needed items are included. Provide enough clothes for nighttime and the next day, toothpaste, toothbrush, a hairbrush, a pull-up if needed, and any other items your child may wish to include.

Give the parents a list of phone numbers where you can be reached in case of an emergency. Also, provide any other important information such as any allergies your child might have or inform the parents of any special medications he may need to take.

It is a good idea to talk to your child about having good manners and respecting the family and their home. When your child stays in someone else's home it should be respected just as yours is. Explain to them the importance of minding their P's and Q's.

A good idea to test if he is ready to stay the night at a friend's house is to call Grandma and Grandpa. See if they are up to being the guinea pigs for the first sleepover with their favorite grandson. Of course the grandparents are willing to stay up late and play Candyland into the wee hours of the night. What could be more fun? It may be that after you have just turned out the lights to go to bed that your phone rings. You may then have to play Superman and "save" your child from the fears of a sleepover and separation anxiety for the first time and go get him. Or you may find that he fell right asleep when grandma turned out the lights.

A lot of fun is waiting for your child at his first sleepover. Popping popcorn, having pillow fights, watching TV late into the night, and playing tricks on an older brother brings laughter and joy to a child's face. Many memories will be created at a sleepover.

Preparing your child for his first sleepover makes the transition much smoother for everyone involved. Getting over the first few hurdles may be difficult at first, but will become easier. After the first few sleepovers, don't forget it will soon be your turn to reciprocate. That means you will be popping the popcorn, playing Candyland, and watching movies into the wee hours of the night with your child and his friends. SHH! Lights out!

Off to Grandma's House

Angela Martino-Lewis

CANDYLAND