Their own tent.

Pebbles · 12-18-2009, 06:07 PM

Right now we have a nice sized tent that comfortably sleeps our family of 4, at least that's my opinion. Our boy, ages 11 and 9, have been asking for their own tent. Am I being overprotective, I really am weary of being separated from them out in the open, and i prefer knowing where they are at night.

How old do you think a kid should be to be in their own tent? How old were you when you got that freedom?

2coastcamper · 12-19-2009, 01:19 PM

I think they're old enough to have their own tent. I didn't get my own tent until I was a teenager, but that's because I never thought to ask for one. Usually it was just me and my dad camping, so two tents for two people would have been pack overkill!

However, I think it's fine for 11- and 9-year-olds to share a tent of their own. Especially if your tent is set up right next to theirs. If you do all your camping in developed campsites (like with firerings and tables and all that), you'll be fine and shouldn't worry much about animals. Those types of campgrounds are so often human populated that the animals avoid them (especially if the rangers have and enforce the "do not feed the animals" rule).

If ever you do wilderness camping, that might be the time to leave the extra tent at home. Bears and animals wandering by your campsite are more likely there. Simply explain to your children the situation, and why the family is sharing a single tent on that certain trip. They'll understand. And, especially in wilderness camping, be sure to use bear-safety food containers.

Lovefall · 12-19-2009, 07:24 PM

I agree and I think it's an awesome Christmas gift for them together. Why not let them have their own tent? You can set it up right next to yours and they will be fine. My daughter has been sleeping in her own since she was 10. She always had a friend with her. There are 2 of them, so they will be fine.

HappyFeet · 12-28-2009, 07:55 AM

I agree with the others that its alright for them to have separate tent. You will also have privacy with your partner if the kids are on another tent. When they have a tent on their own, try to set it up near your tent so you know what's happening with them.

firefly · 12-28-2009, 09:54 AM

I am just like pebbles. Very afraid to be too far from my boys. I would give it a try but I would make sure their tent was close to mine.