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You’ve never let your child sleep over at a friend’s house, but he’s begging you to let him go. To ensure your child sleeps elsewhere safely, an expert offers these five tips.
You regularly have invitations for your child, whether to go play in the park or to go to a birthday party. But this is the first time you’ve received an invitation to a pajama party. How do you go about ensuring that your child will be safe at his or her boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s house? Here are five tips given by a child psychologist in the magazine GoodToKnow.
Know the parents who are organizing the event
Generally, pajama parties are organized by the parents but it is the children who choose the boyfriend or girlfriend to invite. Also, it is entirely possible that you don’t really know the parents who are organizing this little party, even if your child knows their friend well. For Dr. Martha, the first thing to do is to educate yourself. “If you know them, have you spent time with them? What are their educational principles? Their rules regarding screens?” she asks. So many questions that it is best to address before leaving your child.
Teaching your child the limits when it comes to their body
A child must learn the concept of consent. This means being able to say no when it comes to his body. Tell him clearly that no one has the right to impose anything on him and let the family who will welcome him know this.
Teach your child what to say if they feel uncomfortable
Along the same lines, a child must be able to respond effectively to an inappropriate request. For example, he must be able to know how to say no effectively, recommends the expert, if another child asks him for a kiss on the mouth, for example.
Have no secrets for you
At the same time, reassure him that he can tell you anything, and that you will believe him no matter what. The expert reminds parents to make their child understand that another person (adult or child) should not ask them to keep a secret.
Being able to pick it up at any time
During a pajama party, and especially if it’s the first time, explain to your child that you remain available and that all they need to do is notify their friend’s parents so that they can call you, and you will come seek.
Dr Martha even advises saying it in front of the welcoming parent: “My child has permission to call me and come home at any time, can you let them use your phone for that please?”. By following these little tips, you will ensure your child has a good time and you will also be reassured about how this (first) sleepover goes!
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