My Child Is Afraid To Sleep Outside The Home

It is very common for young children to be afraid to sleep outside the home. This fear begins around the age of two and can last until children are six or eight – just like fear of the dark or being separated from their parents, which is also a very common fear.

It is a stage where children are very attached to their parents and constantly seek the security they can only get from them or close family members. That’s why it’s scary to sleep away from home.

Children are very used to their habits and environment. They are used to sleeping in their own room, with the same bed routines. As a result  , you may experience resistance when you change in your child’s routines and your child has to sleep somewhere other than his or her own home. 

As children prepare for the adventure of sleeping outside the home, they may discover a new way of relating to other children as they begin to share games and experiences. Furthermore  , this experience can strengthen their self-esteem. 

What can you do if your child is afraid to sleep outside the home?

To make it a fun adventure for children to sleep outside the home, one must, first and foremost,  get them to express their fears and ask questions. Answer each of them calmly. 

You need to make sure your child is aware of all the things he or she can do on their own. Try to make the excitement greater than the fear of sleeping away from home. Remember to focus on your child’s favorite activities.

It is important to have easy communication with your child. Do not think that the problem will just solve itself. Take control of the situation and help your child get ready to sleep away from home.

Do not let your child avoid the situation. Stay firm and do not let him or her convince you. Be patient. Do not push your child. Otherwise you will just create more resistance. 

Avoid scolding your child. Telling your child that everything will be okay will cause him or her to lose confidence in your opinion. Also, do not tell your child exactly what he or she should do. Ask your child to make a plan to make new friends and do fun activities.

The first night away from home: how to guide your children?

It is a good idea to take your child to the friend’s house where he or she will sleep. It will help him or her with the transition and his or her fears.

Offer your child choices so he or she knows he or she is not alone Let him or her know that he or she can call you through the friend’s parents if he or she is not feeling well or has any problems. Or your child can use his or her own phone if he or she has one.

You should know that there is no ideal age for children to start sleeping outside the home. Children will decide for themselves. Your child will ask to be allowed to sleep at a friend’s home, but he or she should only leave if he or she is self-sufficient at home. 

To help children spend the first night away from home and reinforce their habituation, make sure they feel safe. One has to help them confront their fears so that they can overcome them. It is the only way they will feel safe and ready to sleep outside the home.

What if they cry?

Although they love the thought of it, it does not always go well to sleep away from home. It is important not to exaggerate your reaction and to control your concern. If you do not, your child will notice that you are nervous. This will make him or her feel less secure.

If your child does not want to stop crying, it is a sign that he or she is not ready for this experiment yet. Children take their own time adjusting to new situations. Avoid putting your child through something that will feel traumatic. Otherwise, he or she will not get over his or her fear of sleeping outside the home.

This means your child has to detach from you gradually. Wait until your child asks to sleep away from home, or at least does not resist too much.

This experience will be beneficial for your child and help him or her develop autonomy and social relationships. Your child will learn to be more tolerant and sharing, as well as becoming a better team player. These are invaluable values ​​in their lives and future.