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When our kids take a pal they sleep on a blow up bed in the awning, they are 13 & 16 now but when they were younger I used to leave the top half of the caravan door open so I would hear any strange noises. Have you got this type of door on your van?

They will be just fine...honest!

Quote: Originally posted by scrufts on 08/8/2007

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Ouch ! My daughter has been in her own tent since she was five!

BUT...before everyone goes mad and says we are irresponsible, we only do this with her at our local centre rallies mainly because everyone keeps an eye on the children (even if they don't have any themselves). She has glowsticks, a wind up torch,a normal torch, attack alarm and a whistle. Our dog is also "on duty" in our van as well. We always vet the rally field first e.g. are there any nearby footpaths,proximity of other public places etc and everybody else on site is aware that she is in her tent.It's usually sited directly underneath my window which I normally leave ajar.

After the recent events in Portugal I did have my doubts as to wether to let her stay out by herself (she is now 8) but at the end of the day, she could be at our local playing fields and someone could come past in a car and snatch her in under a minute before we even got off the park bench. Whilst I appreciate Ultimates concern I also feel that common sense applies - you know your children.

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Whoops!  No, I wasn't expressing concern - I was highlighting the fact that abductions of 15 year olds are practically unheard of!!! 

My own son was a Cub and is now a Scout and takes part in camping trips regularly, as do thousands of other youngsters.

Thanks for all your posts.  I know i'm going to have to "let go" but in this mad world we live in you always have doubts.  In my sane moments, I know they will be fine and the dog would probably wake most of the site up,  (his barking could probably wake most of Cornwall up!!!) if anyone tried to get in. 

But then on the other hand (when I'm in my mad/neurotic/pessimistic/worrywort mum state!!) I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about, you cant help but chew your fingers to the bone!

So....they will have  good time in the awning and I will sleep with one eye open baseball bat in hand, poised and ready for action! 

If you read in the papers in a few days..."Man attacked with bat by deranged and sleep deprived mum" you'll know it was me and that hubby tried to creep up on me during the night?! lol

Rach

Happy hols to all going away this Month!

[Whoops! sorry]

We are going away tomorrow night for the first proper holiday in our caravan.  We have a gazebo which will be attached to the van, and our son (12 next week) wants to sleep in it.  One of the 3 dogs will sleep with him, and we will leave the top half of the van door open cos I am also an old worry guts.  I am sure he will love it, and once he is asleep he would sleep through an earthquake,  My husband says he might enjoy a night out there too - I am more than happy to stay in my comfortable bed in the van with any of the dogs that choose to join me instead of the "men!" and let them get on with it!

When my daughter first asked me about sleeping by herself, I slept the first night in the tent with her just to make sure there were no problems. Next night I let her sleep by herself - I think shge had about six torches and a trail of glowsticks to the caravan door! I hardly slept a wink expecting a hysterical child to come screaming through the door at any minute. At about 4am I finally got to sleep only to be woken at 6.15 by the door bursting open and a very happy child saying "I did it, I did it!".

She now has a brand new two berth tent which often resembles her bedroom i.e. a skip and is now demanding her own solar lights  and windsock pole! (whatever next, a junior cadac?)

Quote: Originally posted by Scampi on 09/8/2007

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No Scufts - get her a Trangia and teach her to cook fabulous one-pot meals.  If you are C&CC members, let her join the CCY (Camping Club Youth) if she's aged 12-18, camp with your local DA or Section and let her do her Youth test - and hey presto - one more enthusiastic, safe, young camper!!!

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I do sympathise - I'm another worry guts (kids aged 10 and 12) and I would be reluctant to let them sleep in the awning or a pup tent.  They are pressing now for friends to come with us on the next trip out so OH and myself will end up in the awning and let the kids have the caravan.  I'm sure this is the only way I will get a decent kip and not lie awake half the night imagining all kinds of horrors.

Its easy to say you must let go of the apron strings but in today's day and age, very difficult to actually do it - sad - but that's just how things are.

I've heard say that some sites don't allow children under a certain age in pup tents and awnings, because of worries about the security issues.  Anyone else heard of this??

We have our 12 & 10 year olds sharing a pup tent in our awning, with all the comforts of blown up bed, snug sleeping bags etc.  We leave the awning light on until we go to bed.  On our last holiday we took the awning down the night before we left, and put the tent directly outside the door.........they loved it.....both also go to sea scouts........But think its a mum thing....as I worried all the time.....

Going away again in 2 days and taking our much loved staff, who will be sleeping in the awning with the boys. We have just brought him a dog cage for the back of the truck, and all Im worrying about now is if he's gonna be comfortable enough......and he's only the dog!!!lol

Stop worrying...the kids will love it....enjoy

Kids and dogs sleep in the awning, never had a problem, we just leave the van door open, just for piece of mind. Even when we dont take the dogs the kids love to sleep in the awning. And its easier in the mornings aswell, you get a cuppa in peace before they wake.

Dont worry they will be fine.

I'm amazed you've got her to sleep in the caravan with you for so long!