Thinking of buying some kids’ tents for the next camping trip, because your kids won’t stop begging for their own tents? But still not sure if it’s really a good idea? That’s nothing to feel bad about. We parents simply cannot help but worry about the safety of our children. To make yourself feel better, take a closer look at your children (and yourself). Afterward, you should feel much more comfortable with your decision.

4 questions to determine if your family is ready to add children’s tents:

• How old are your children?
• How independent are they?
• How responsible are they?
• Are you comfortable with them sleeping alone?

Question #1: How old are your children?

School children should be quite fine sleeping in their own children’s tents. They already do a lot of things alone and are used to spending more time without you. Younger children better stay with their parents. Or you can get tents for older children and let them sleep together with their older siblings.

Question #2: How independent are your children?

Older kids shouldn’t have a problem, but younger kids may not be comfortable sleeping alone, especially when they’re used to having you around at night. They may also need help getting dressed, finding the bathroom, or going to the bathroom. If your children are not comfortable on their own or are not independent enough, keep them with you or let them sleep with their older siblings in your children’s tents.

Question #3: How responsible are your children?

Some children are more responsible than others, and younger children may be more responsible than older ones. But a 3-year-old could just wander off on an adventure mindlessly and get lost in camp. Teenagers are often mischievous and difficult to control when sleeping in their own children’s tents. If your children obey the rules well, don’t worry about them sleeping alone. If you can’t trust them to behave, it’s best to keep them in the family store where you can keep an eye on them.

Question #4: Are you comfortable with them sleeping alone?

You have to be comfortable with this, too. If you stay up all night worrying about your children, maybe buying tents for these children is not a good idea. But in general, you do not need to worry about the safety of your children in the camp. They are in no more danger than at home as they are surrounded by many peaceful campers. If you have answered the questions above and have decided that your children can be alone, they will be fine.

Children’s tents are a lot of fun and your children will enjoy them. If you also have very young children, use two-child tents, but don’t group children by age as you normally would. Rather place an older child with a younger one, so you know the little ones are well cared for. They will also feel more secure that way.