Any parents of young boarders?

[Only1scoop]

Dd is doing her first flexi board night tmrw. It's just for one night as a trial run to cover the odd night when DP and I are both working away overnight. She's 6.5 and really excited. She's packed her little case. I've spoken to head of boarding who is lovely and will check on her, just any ideas or support welcome as its her first time!!
Many thanks

[happygardening]

I now lurk rarely posting but thought I'd respond to you thread. My DS full boarded at his prep from 7 he loved it very much at that age, he had loads of fun, the school had 30 acres of grounds to play in and the beach was a stones throw away, he drank gallons of hot chocolate and hot ribena and ate endless chocolate spread sandwiches (we don't have any of those at home), the house parents were firm but very loving and caring and participated in the inevitable dorm raids, pillow/teddy fights, it's like one big fun sleep over, he also did loads of evening clubs etc, he had an abdolte ball. I'd be the first to admit less so between yrs 6-8 but the school ethos changed and didn't really suit him. Through choice he carried on full boarding at senior school and has no regrets.
Contrary to what many will say it has not damaged in anyway him or the relationship between us, when he started he was an happy 7 yr old and we were incredibly close through his earlier teenage years he's been fairly lucky and only had the odd up and down and our closeness has enabled him to turn to me and his house staff for support and he's now a very popular well adjusted confident young man.

[ChinUpChestOut]

I rarely post on these kind of threads as it always turns into a dreadful bunfight, but before that happens.....DS full-boarded from age 10 and went on his first camp at age 8 for 2 whole weeks - and in a different country. Before that, I encouraged his independence, and built up his confidence by learning how to look for information in train stations, airports, shops etc.

Like HappyGardening's experience, I am happy to report that DS loved it and is now in 6th Form, still happy, still boarding. It very much depends on the child, and how the parents (and houseparents) approach it. DS wasn't just dropped in it - we made sure he had the mindset to not just cope with it, but to enjoy it. Our relationship with DS is incredibly good, strong, and close. He's my little superstar (actually he's 6'1") and we have a fabulous relationship.

[Only1scoop]

Thanks for the replies, she proudly wheeled her little case this morning and woke up very early, as so excited....she's already talking about midnight feasts. As she will be the youngest, one of the gap's who is a real character will share with her and she's very happy about that.
It will only be a couple of times a month at present and I'm hoping she enjoys it.
Thanks again for the responses I felt so proud of her this morning.

[EleanorRigby123]

We have happy full boarders and are fans of boarding for the right child. I would not have started them at 7 or 8 because I think it is generally too young unless family circumstances dictate. But there is a world of difference between full boarding and weekly boarding and the odd flexi night at a school your DC already knows. I suspect your DC will treat it as a great adventure - very similar to a sleep over with friends - and will have a fantastic time. So I would not worry.

[Only1scoop]

Thanks Elanor, yes the odd flexi day for now, she was so excited I can't wait to hear about it tmrw.

[TheField65]

I don't think this is any different from the odd sleepover with friends frankly. And that is fine at that age. I full-boarded from 11, and my mother full-boarded from 6. I think my mother was too young but I was fine.

[Grikes]

My daughter did summer boarding at 9 she loved it. Then fully boarded at 11 (year 7). She still loves it now (year 10). Yes there has been some down times and some up times. She learns from the bad times and enjoys the good times. I think boarding for the right child at the right school is very beneficial. If the mix is wrong disaster ensues. Which is a pity really.

[EarlGreyTeaAndToast]

I am considering boarding for my 8 year old as we work abroad a lot.
I am not opposed to boarding at all (my teenager is a full boarder) but I keep wavering about it being too young.
But she absolutely is the right personality for it, and since my DH took her to their Open Day, has constantly talked about going :-)
For us, it means a change of schools though and to one an hour away so the option of her being a day pupil and flexi boarding wouldn't work.
I hope it goes really well for your Dd and you can post an update :-)

[Only1scoop]

Thanks so much for replies.

I made a quick phone call last night about 9pm, they said she's been great and all good. I want to phone again this morning but don't want to be a pain....I did ask last night if someone could help her with her hair this morning, and was told that she would have 'many willing helpers' as all the older girls have been loving looking after her. I thought that was just lovely. Will update on her return.

[Only1scoop]

TheField I agree that's how we've treated it like a big adventure sleep over.

My DP boarded full time term to term at 6 also, and to be honest has some awful memories.
We are extremely lucky that this flexi option exists and school is only 15 minutes drive away.

[Only1scoop]

She had a fantastic time

Was awarded two house points for being a great boarder, so she's chuffed next date is after half term and we have no reservations at all.
Thanks all.

[DianaMitford]

Great to hear :)

My DD1 - 15 - boarded from 6 as a flexi boarder (once a week) and now weekly boards. She loves it. However DD2 (9) boards unwillingly. I think it's good for her independence but there's no way she'll weekly board.

Horses for courses :)

[Dahlietta]

As she will be the youngest, one of the gap's who is a real character will share with her
Is this in the UK? I'm astonished that this is allowed!