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Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 22/3/2007

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8am is the normal watershed time to let kids out to play. I know many wake up before then but it`s politer to keep them in the tent till after that time, and to keep the volume down to a quiet conversational level.  It`s not just for the benefit of grumpy old child hating types, this....other families with kids won`t appreciate being woken up either, if they`re lucky enough to have late rising children.

Best thing to do to ensure they sleep in as long as possible is to keep them up till they literally fall over at night. It`s a total waste of time to try to make them go to bed at the usual time if other kids are running around the campsite on a light evening anyway. No self respecting child will go to sleep with that sort of activity on the other side of a layer of canvas. And quiet time doesn`t happen on a campsite till 11pm, normally.  My kids usually stayed up till 9-9.30 pm at ages 4 and 6...then they slept in till 9am. Very civilised!

Suggestions for keeping them amused in the tent till 8am....walkman each with headphones and story tapes, dvd player with headphones ditto, colouring books, breakfast.

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My little un is 4 1/2 and been camping since he was 6 months old.  We have tried in the past to keep to his normal bedtime, but its never worked, so now we have him snuggled on a chair with us until he falls asleep or he sits on his blow up bed doing activity books........we always take a bag full with us and lots of crayons and bits......kept just for camping, so like new each time we get them out.

I am usually the first awake and its bliss to sit outside about 6.30 with a cuppa and a mag watching the site come alive.  My little un then wakes whenever he is ready, usually about 7.30, but if he was early he would sit quietly snuggled in a chair or have his brekkie.

I wouldnt worry too much, but just be prepared with some toys or books that magically appear.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice.

 I think 8am sounds ok.

I have not seen a post suggesting a later time so I'll use that as a guide.

Lots of good advice about keeping then occupied to.