to let Y6 boys and girls share a tent?

[LadyCad]

DS is camping for his 11th bday. We've invited 3 friends, 1 boy and 2 girls.

We had arranged for them all to share a tent whilst DP and our other children share another tent nearby. We aren't going to be right next-door, so to speak, as DS really didn't want us (parents)to be there at all and so we have reached a compromise whereby we will be at the other end of the field. DS says he wants to be a bit independent with his mates.

It's a small private field, no other campers, and they will be within earshot. One of the other parents has expressed disquiet about the situation (regarding the boys and girls sharing) and I'm now doubting my judgement.

It hadn't crossed my mind that it might be a problem tbh. Am I being naive?

No problem, they are friends, let them be. Was best friends with two lads all through childhood, even now actually and ever had any problems, we used to camp out in back gardens, sleep in same beds, etc never a problem, a few other parents tried tosuggest this was wrong, luckily our parents realised that we were just friends who enjoyed each others company. Boys and girls can be friends, it does happen. You know your son best, and it sounds like you trust him.

I don't think it's a great idea. Wouldn't be keen myself.

Why Pointy?

I don't think it's a question of 'trusting' anyone, just to do with personal comfort, awareness of changing bodies etc.

Ah. I did wonder whether the girls might be uncomfortable.

given that yesterday 1000s of MNers were saying they were happy for their y6s to read books like Judy Blumes Forever, i would not be happy, no

It depends on the children - how do they feel about it? At that age I'd let them make their own decision about sharing a tent.

Erm, missed that thread. Tell me what would bother you PeedOff?

Mine have camped mixed sex tents , and it certainly never crossed my mind to worry about it! It's not like they are parading round naked! (prob won't wash or change either...

I think it's a bit sad to assume all yr 6 kids are going to be hoping for wildly inappropriate behaviour..

Hope they have a fun time

I mean how it would bother you PeedOff?

I dunno, its hard, my dd is yr 6 and would be horrified but wouldnt be invited by a boy anyway if that makes sense. Some of her friends are VERY aware and like to show their non existent cleavage already - and are discussing kissing boys and them wanting to touch their boobies.
However, I really don't think they would actually do anything!

I know 2 YR6s who slept in the same room when their families were on holiday together. It led to a bit of silliness about "X and Y have slept together" when they got back which went on to "X and Y had sex on holiday" and eventually "X has had sex with loads of boys" when they started secondary. Families are no longer on speaking terms.

I'm suprised anyone has a problem with this - do they imagine 10 and 11 year olds are just waiting for an opportunity to rip each other's clothes off?

I wouldnt allow my daughter to share a tent with boys at that age, my daughter is now 12 nearly 13 and I stopped her having sleep over with boys etc around 9.

Well I don't dcs that old yet but I wouldn't for two reasons.
Firstly - if one of their parents has voiced concerns then that would be enough for me. (although only their parents not someone elses iyswim).
Secondly, as has been said previously girls in particular are starting to self concious of their bodies at that age and so would want to avoid any uncomfortableness (is that a word?).
Could you pitch tents v. close and 'connect' them with a gazebo with sides - so there is their own communal area but also private areas should they want it?

Wouldn't worry at all....so long as each child has the opportunity for a bit of privacy when needed...ie changing clothes,washing,etc.

Well... as a cub leader who takes boys and girls age 8 - 11 camping etc., we have to provide separate accommodation for boys and girls whether it's in tents or blocks. It's about respecting each other's privacy rather than thinking they're going to be getting 'up to anything'. You'd find the same was true if they went on a school trip or similar.

I don´t think it´s inappropriate behaviour but privacy.

By that age my daughter had breasts so would want an area to get dressed unobserved-from boys or girls.

personally I wouldn't have a problem with it. My DS has had friends dd round for sleepover. They are only 5 and 6 at the minute but wouldn't suddenly stop it in 5 years time iyswim. (and they shared bedroom while camping last year with friends other dd too)

Hope ds has a fab birthday it sounds like a wonderful idea.

I stopped the sleepovers for privacy and comfort reasons for both the boys and girls involved not because I thought anyone was going to rip off clothes, what a stupid comment!

My DD is 10 and in Yr5. She'd hate undressing/dressing with boys around.

I agree with the need for privacy too

I should have explained, we were planning on putting them in a tent with separate sleeping quarters at each end.

I won't go ahead if one of the parents is unhappy, I've just rang a friend to ask to borrow another tent.

It just took me by surprise I suppose as it hadn't crossed my mind that it might be a problem.

If there was separate sleeping areas then that would be a different matter, I would allow my daughter to go on that, would only have a problem if the boys and girls were all lumped in together in one area.