A friend has reached out on Facebook this week asking for advice on this subject.
Letting your child go for a sleepover for the first time can be a real concern for parents and rightly so, as we all need to know that our offspring are safe.
My children sometimes had sleepovers at the weekends ( weekends are the best time, in my opinion as children often stay awake chatting until quite late, so not having to get up for school the next morning is a benefit)..
We also sometimes hosted a sleepover at our house more on that here
My children only spent a sleepover with a family that we were friendly with.
I remember the first time my youngest son went for a sleepover at a friend’s house: He was very excited as he was ‘the baby’ of our family, he was keen to do the things that his older brothers did.
When I dropped him off at his friend’s house, he was eager for me to leave as he was ‘a big boy now’ and wanted to enjoy himself. So I gave him a kiss and went home.
Everything was fine, untiIl about 9.30 when I received a phone call from the host saying that my son had become upset when he got into bed and was asking to go home; which was fine, I drove over and brought him home.
He went back again a few weeks later and thoroughly enjoyed staying all night and a good part of the next day with his friend.
Set up some ground rules for your child before letting them go elsewhere for a sleepover: Some parents want to know where exactly their child is going to sleep, for example, top and tail with the friend in the same bed, or on the floor in a sleeping bag and confirming that there are smoke detectors in the host’s home.
Obviously keeping children safe is the main priority, so letting your child stay with close friends and family is a good starting point.
Please share any thoughts and experiences on this topic, by leaving a comment and I will get back to you.
As always questions, comments and topic suggestions are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
My girls have been on sleepovers over the years but only to people’s houses who we know really well. I always want to know who’ll be there just to be safe. x
Absolutely, Kim, thanks for your comment
This is good to know. My daughter is getting to the age when she wants sleepovers, but I am still quite hesitant. #dreamteam
Glad to be of help, Jo thanks for your input
I don’t find anything wrong with sleepovers. It is important to lay down ground rules and become acquainted with the host’s child and family first.
Absolutely, Barbara, thanks for sharing your thoughts
I do think it’s an interesting thing. As a kid we were allowed sleep overs with anyone pretty much, but my husband’s family didn’t allow any. I think I worry about this stuff more than my parents did. The big joke is statsitcally abuse is done more by family members, so letting them stay with family is probably a higher risk than with school friends (tho we never think that way). I do remind my child that she can text me at any time and I’ll come. #Dreamteam
Sounds like a good plan, Lydia
I have taken a few of my daughters friends away with us and I send these texts that explain the room/hotel specifics (and everyone must have their own bed, preferable with me in an adjoining room) and what we will be doing and who, if anyone, will be there other than me. I think they think I’m a nut. I just don’t know what info is needed so I figure I’ll offer it all and then they’re comfortable. I’ll also send the parents a photo from whatever we’re doing (the activity) during the trip
Wow! seems like you had everything covered, what lucky children ( and parents), Lydia
My boys had quite a few sleepovers and thankfully we never had any real problems (though one of them did get sick in the middle of the night at a friend’s house!). We too always just made sure we knew the family real well ahead of time.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Joanne
If the child is happy to go and you’re happy with where they are going then all should be fine. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
Totally agree, thanks for leaving your thoughts
Ooooh that’s an interesting one Karen. I think as long as you are fully comfortable, and so is your little one, then it’s worth a go. I’ve always said that no matter what the reason or time, if they wanted collecting right away, I’d be there. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeam and Happy Easter xx
Totally agree, Annette, hope you had a great Easter
My kids have always had regular sleepovers with my parents. Now they are older we have sleepovers with friends and Beavers. I find it the biggest wrench when my youngest sleeps away! Thanks for linking up with #DreamTeam
Thanks for sharing your experience, Laura