You've been invited to a sleepover or need to sleep somewhere else, but at some point sadness assails you and you start to miss home. Here's how to get through it and get better.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Get used to sleepover parties
Step 1. Ask your parents to talk to your friend's parents, so they know you've never been to a sleepover before and don't know if you'll be able to spend all night out
That way, they'll have a chance to come up with a plan if you feel homesick (you shouldn't lie about it. Your parents will understand what's going on, so it's easier to make a plan). Knowing that you are not "trapped" and that you have a plan B, you should be more relaxed. The other parents will also know that they will need to take care of you and ask you if you would like to go home before it's time to go to bed. It's better to say this right away than to wake up the whole house at three in the morning.
Step 2. Practice before spending the whole night at your friend's house
Ask your parents to pick you up before bed.
Step 3. There is no rush to sleep away from home, first you need to make sure you have the right maturity
You could give it a try by spending the night with your grandparents or an uncle, so you will stay with your family. Also try to get to know the friend who invites you and his parents well; this way, it will be easier for you to get used to it.
Part 2 of 4: Articles to Console You
Step 1. Before the sleepover, make sure you have everything you need, and add items you use at home, such as a pillow, blanket or stuffed animal
It will help if your parents walk you to your friend's door so you can say goodnight to them.
Step 2. Bring everything you need with you so your friend's family won't have more things to wash and you won't have to borrow anything
If you stop by her house while your parents are out of town and you need to attend a church or school event, pack your clothes too, so you know what to wear.
Step 3. If you have to go camping, carefully review the list of what you will need
Don't bring too many toys, but you should still have the one that makes you feel good.
Part 3 of 4: Be in a good mood
Step 1. Don't whine, have fun right from the start of the sleepover so that the right atmosphere will be created
Step 2. Try not to think about your home when it's time to go to sleep
You will most likely be so tired that you don't even have the energy to think! Also, avoid doing this during the sleepover. If you really miss it, you can always call and ask your parents to come and get you. You may not be ready to sleep away from home yet.
Step 3. Remember that each family has slightly different habits from others, and your friends' routines may be different
For example, they help clean up after dinner, help out their siblings before school, or go to mass every Sunday. Find out about their organization, so you can prepare what you need based on that.
Step 4. Remember that you will see your parents again soon, so just think about the sleepover
Maybe, imagine that they are always in the other room, and that they move when you enter.
Part 4 of 4: Tackling the Sleepover
Step 1. If you just can't sleep and feel a deep homesickness, try keeping the television at a low volume so you don't wake your host
Step 2. If you can't get over the nostalgia, tell your friend, and ask if you can call home
This step may embarrass you, so you can also explain that you are not feeling well. It's always helpful to talk to your parent a couple of times before adjusting to the sleepover.
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If you can hold out and stay all night, you will feel like you can make it, and that could cure the nostalgia.
Beat Homesickness at a Sleepover Step 5
Step 3. Remember to contain yourself, without shouting or throwing a tantrum
Be extremely polite and offer your help when you can. That way, your friend's parents will appreciate you and be happy to host you again.
Step 4. Focus on what you will do the next day
Don't think about how you will spend the night, rather think about tomorrow.
Advice
- If homesickness is particularly strong, here's what to do. Try to have fun during the sleepover so you will get tired and sleepy. This way, you will be exhausted and not think about it. You'll be fine the next morning!
- Bring items that remind you of your home so you don't feel like you're far away.
- Don't always think about your pets, siblings, parents, or home.
- If you can't resist, call your parents and explain to your friend's that they will come and pick you up the next morning (but not too early).
- If you are shy, you can change in the bathroom. Bring presentable pajamas with you, because other people will see you, and you never know. Since you are not at home, you may want to wear a shirt and a pair of pants, adding a dressing gown as well.
- Pay particular attention to the lists of what you should take with you if you go camping. This way, you will get an idea of what you can pack and what is needed to stay healthy.
- Bring clothes, a couple of books, and other useful items with you. Leave the toys at home.
- Make sure you bring clean sheets if requested. The night will be longer if you can't sleep well. Choose sheets suitable for the size of the bed, medium pillows, pillow cases, a mattress cover (this will be more hygienic), a light blanket and a heavier one. You can get cold at night, especially when camping.
- Going camping can be difficult. If this is your first time, talk to someone who has already been there and ask your parents to discuss it with those of your friends who have experienced this experience.
- Have fun!
- Maybe, imagine you're a hero on a mission.
- If this is your first time camping, ask your parents to lend you a blanket from their bed.
Warnings
- Don't misbehave. As you grow older, your friends' parents will remember that you were an exemplary guest, even if that means returning home for homesickness.
- Don't leave your friend's house without telling anyone.
- You don't want to make up an illness or emergency to go home, unless you're ashamed to tell the truth.
