A night with the grandparents: taking a little bit of home along

During the day, the sleepover sounds like a grand adventure. There will be pancakes, perhaps an outing and breakfast in pyjamas tomorrow. Then, while packing, your child suddenly asks: where will my bed be?

You can explore that question together before closing the bag. A photo of the sleeping space helps make it familiar. On your next visit, look around the room: where is the light? Who will be sleeping nearby? How do you get to the bathroom at night?

Pack the bag together

Let your child choose a few familiar things. Pyjamas, a book and a favourite cuddly friend will often fit into a small backpack. Choosing gives them a chance to explain what matters, even if the grown-ups would have packed something quite different.

For children who already sleep with a pillow and duvet, a familiar cover can come along too. Check that it fits the bedding at the other house first. Otherwise, your lovely idea may turn into a small cover and a very large duvet.

A little note for the grandparents

Write down what an ordinary evening looks like at home. Which book is popular just now, where the glass of water goes and the words you use to say goodnight. Grandparents can still have their own way of doing things. A few familiar details can make the new setting easier to approach.

Agree whether you will have a call and when. A clear arrangement is easier to explain than several unplanned calls that interrupt the evening afresh each time.

It is fine to try it out

Talk beforehand about your child being able to say if they feel uncomfortable. Stay available and discuss with the grandparents what you will do if that happens. If your child would rather come home, getting to know a different sleeping space was still a step.

In the morning, the most interesting question may not be “Did you sleep well?” It might be: “What did you put on the pancakes?”