Is Your Kid Ready to Spend the Night Away From Home? Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether a kid is ready to spend the night away. If you answer mostly "yes" then your youngster may be ready to pack his bags!

1. Has your youngster successfully participated in a sleepover at a friend's house before? "Successful" typically means sleeping through the night, not crying for parents, and being comfortable in the alternative sleeping arrangement.

2. Is your kid able to dress herself, brush her own hair and teeth, cut her own food, take a shower or bath independently, and clean up afterward?

3. Does he make new friends easily and adapt to unfamiliar situations readily? (Being shy is somewhat normal; however, a child's readiness may be determined by whether a kid adapts and fits in after getting comfortable with a situation).

4. Does your kid display self-control? Can she remain calm and in control? Does he handle disappointments in an age-appropriate manner? Remember, not everyone gets to be the line leader, light the campfire, or serve the snack.

5. Is your youngster fairly adventurous and does spending the night away from home appeal to her? Is he looking forward to a new experience or does it somewhat frightening?

6. Is there an alternative or option if your kid gets uncomfortable or inconsolable while spending the night away? Some camps or outings offer a "option" to kids who may find they strongly dislike being away from home, which could include parental presence or phone calls home or even a special support group for homesickness.