So, all of you forum posters who have experience camping with your kids (or grandkids) in your campers, enlighten me here. After spending a half-dozen nights sleeping alone in my Camp-in, and a half-dozen years around my grandchildren (ages two and seven), I'm trying to imagine what a trip with them in the camper at night would be like. Being healthy, active kids, they're physically and mentally absolutely incapable of settling down right away and going to sleep. So how in the world, absent ropes and gags, does one ever manage to get them settled in and asleep for the night in such close quarters?? I can't imagine it, and I've got a 560 with all that extra bunkbed space.
Kids in Kampers (aka Tykes in Teardrops)
- Thread starter Cal429
- Start date
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Mick'nSarah
Junior Ranger
Will they stay put with some good bed time stories? Rather than only telling them around the campfire, bring the stories into the camper! My other suggestion is bribery. Seems to work like a charm with my little guy.
We've just got the one child, but she can be as much a handful as two at times. We do our best to wear her out before it's bedtime. Generally, that's my department, and while I'm with Katie, Lena gets the bunk set up. Then, there is absolutely no eating or drinking inside Snugglebug for all children - specifically, Katie. Sometimes we let her watch a DVD while she settles down in her bunk, but once the Nichole guard goes up, there will be no little feet coming over to tickle our faces.
We also borrow Kate's cousins as playmates from time to time. My 7-year-old neice does fine in the other bunk, my not my 5-year-old nephew. He's got a snore twice his size and will not be making another appearance in Snugglebug. :sleep::sleep:
Having small children cooped up in a small space certainly could have the potential to turn into a disaster. We wouldn't take Kate with us for a rainy weekend, it would just be asking too much of a 6-year-old child. It takes a bit of planning, and sometimes the proper motivation to keep things running smoothly (promise of reward... and fear of punishment).
If you are taking the grandkids out, I'd hope that Mom and Dad have taught them to respect your word. Otherwise, you might have a lot of ground to cover in a short time.
I would suggest that spending the night in the trailer should be treated as a huge priviledge - not a certainty. And there's always the promise of a special treat or event in the morning for little ones that behave (go to sleep) at night. If you are planning a long trip it might be a good idea to do a trial run night.
Hope this helps,
We also borrow Kate's cousins as playmates from time to time. My 7-year-old neice does fine in the other bunk, my not my 5-year-old nephew. He's got a snore twice his size and will not be making another appearance in Snugglebug. :sleep::sleep:
Having small children cooped up in a small space certainly could have the potential to turn into a disaster. We wouldn't take Kate with us for a rainy weekend, it would just be asking too much of a 6-year-old child. It takes a bit of planning, and sometimes the proper motivation to keep things running smoothly (promise of reward... and fear of punishment).
If you are taking the grandkids out, I'd hope that Mom and Dad have taught them to respect your word. Otherwise, you might have a lot of ground to cover in a short time.
I would suggest that spending the night in the trailer should be treated as a huge priviledge - not a certainty. And there's always the promise of a special treat or event in the morning for little ones that behave (go to sleep) at night. If you are planning a long trip it might be a good idea to do a trial run night.Hope this helps,
Its not so much the going to sleep that would worry me its the early morning waking up exited just when you could not be any more comfortable and warm in your pit. Little feet jumping on you demanding attention and breakfast.
I used the extra room as a selling point to my wife as I wanted the 560 that we could in time when they appear take grandkids.
I can assure you that was a lie to my wife and I think she knows it.
I used the extra room as a selling point to my wife as I wanted the 560 that we could in time when they appear take grandkids.
I can assure you that was a lie to my wife and I think she knows it.
Steve & Ellen
Novice
Jim,
My wife has slept with three of our grandchildren....I slept in a tent. Ages, 12, 10, 6. All girls. After a long day of activities and a movie of their choice, sleep came easily. I hope you and yours are well.
You will find a way.
Steve
My wife has slept with three of our grandchildren....I slept in a tent. Ages, 12, 10, 6. All girls. After a long day of activities and a movie of their choice, sleep came easily. I hope you and yours are well.
You will find a way.
Steve
Cary Winch
Camp-Inn Staff
"but once the Nichole guard goes up" Oh that is waaaay too funny! I wonder how many people here caught that!
Jim,
For night time sleeping you may find the 7 year old is in the bunk with no issues but good luck getting the 2 year old to stay put there. I had that issue with my daughter til she was three. She would only sleep in the bed with mom and dad. Seems though what got her to sleep in her own bunk all night was when she got a real bed at home. So, this will differ from kid to kid.
During the day camping the day tends to be a bit long for kids that age as Evan pointed out. I hate admitting it but the DVD player is crucial to camping with kids. I call it "depressurizing" them. By afternoon I am having to throw in Madagascar or Happy Feet or something to bring them down to earth a bit.
Cary
Jim,
For night time sleeping you may find the 7 year old is in the bunk with no issues but good luck getting the 2 year old to stay put there. I had that issue with my daughter til she was three. She would only sleep in the bed with mom and dad. Seems though what got her to sleep in her own bunk all night was when she got a real bed at home. So, this will differ from kid to kid.
During the day camping the day tends to be a bit long for kids that age as Evan pointed out. I hate admitting it but the DVD player is crucial to camping with kids. I call it "depressurizing" them. By afternoon I am having to throw in Madagascar or Happy Feet or something to bring them down to earth a bit.
Cary