just got a new tent ready for our 1st camping trip and the kids are scared to use it because they dont like being closed in. Is it ok to just remove the pods and sleep in the main area? its a wynnster pharaoh 6 so the pods are removable and the windows can be covered.
The pods do tend to keep you warmer, draught and midgy free so why not put the pods up and leave them half unzipped until everyone gets used to them? I am sure after the first night they will want their own little area - especially if they have a torch.
It's a shame that the WP6 doesn't have a large pod with a zip out divider. We always sleep together in one big pod. However it hasn't been too cold in the night lately so I'm sure you would be ok to sleep out of the pods. If you are keeping the tent long term, then it's worth considering sewing two pods together and cutting the middle section out to make one big pod. This way you would still have the two doors at the front and you would still benefit from being closed in and snug when needed, but you would all be together.
Tracey
PS: Don't how old your children are, or how scared of bugs they are, but I wouldn't use the 'tell them that the pods help keep flying beasties out' line, as this may put them off camping altogether!
Quote: Originally posted by MrsButtercup on 01/8/2010
just got a new tent ready for our 1st camping trip and the kids are scared to use it because they dont like being closed in. Is it ok to just remove the pods and sleep in the main area? its a wynnster pharaoh 6 so the pods are removable and the windows can be covered.
thanks
Emma
My grandchildren were scared for similar reasons first time they camped. We didn't mention flying beasties as it would have made things worse. Using pods in daytime with only mesh screen, or partial screen in place helped them get used to being closed in. As did 'practising for bedtime' (depends on children's ages). We made a game of having a little afternoon rest - adults included,we needed it - and explained that we needed the screen to help us be cozy. Also gave them a small torch to use. A little windup torch or lantern could be useful and winding it up used as preparationfor bedtime.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
I wouldn't get rid of the pods. My brother went camping at the weekend and they didn't bother putting them up and he said it was appreciably colder without them. I would do what Fotogen suggested and/or sleep with the doors open.
OK no flying beasties - how about telling them it keeps the mad axemen or ghosts and ghouls at bay. Would that work do you think?
Seriously, good point actually. Clearly it depends on the kids and what they are like. My DD would have preferred fighting off the devil himself rather than put up with a single mozzie
We had to do without our pods a few years ago in our old tent. I had a brainwave and bought kingsize airbeds only to discover when we got there they didn't fit in the pod!! I do think it was colder and didn't feel cozy at all. I think I would try them with just the mesh perhaps until they get used to the idea.