My seven year old son is asked by his friends at school to have sleepovers. he is invited to their homes and they also want to come over to ours. I think 7 is entirely too young for sleepovers but I want to make sure that I am not being too protective. What do you all think?
It's up to you. My kids have had sleepovers practically their whole lives and it's a big pain but I allow it, I've known other mothers who limited them severely.
Whatever you're comfortable with (however other moms might want some reciprocation sometimes).
Hi V.,
I think you should discuss this with the other child's parent and make sure that you are entirely comfortable with that parent and their rules etc. I don't think you are being too protective at all- you need to make sure your son will be safe wherever he stays the night. Also, if you are not ready for him leaving the house for a sleepover, you could consider having one at your house. That way you are in control and you know whats going on. Good luck to you both and I hope you have a great night!
Molly
My son is 6 and hasn't had a sleep over yet, though he's asked a couple times. But I've thought about this question a lot. There are only a couple friends that I would be comfortable and confident enough to have him sleep over with. (We just haven't found a convenient time with those friends.) My thought is that I can't control what he's exposed to (especially TV-wise) when he's at someone else's house. I want to know that the sleep-over friend's house has the same values we do. I think it would be easier with sleep overs at our house, since we would be the ones in control of that stuff.
I dont' think you're being too protective. But I think it's not the age that matters as much as how well you know the other families. If you know them very well and are confident in them, then you might think about giving it a try.
I agree that it totally depends on the child. My daughter is 5 and has spent the night with her friend several times and visa versa. Of course we are very good friends with the parents. She has also asked to have sleepovers with friends from school, which we have met the parents and they are great, but I think we're all a little leary about letting our kids be at someone else's house. I suggest start slow... long-day visits and increase the time allowed each time. That way you can get comfortable with them being away.
Your child and you as parents have to be ready and comfortable with the situation. And always be ready to make a pick-up trip in the middle of the night just in case. :)
Good luck!
Hi V.!
What are your son's sleep habits? Does he stay in his own bed? Does he have a hard time going to sleep? Is he afraid of the dark? Has he ever spent the night without you?
My son has had "sleep overs" and he's 5, but they have been with his cousins at his Auntie's house.
I think sleep overs are a great way to encourage their independance from us. But you still have to know they will be safe. I wouldn't let my child spend the night anywhere unless I knew the family and felt comfortable.
Good luck and hope this helps!
Personally, I think it depends on the child. I've got 8 kids and only a few of them have experienced sleepovers. The interesting thing is that my youngest, who just turned 7, has probably the most experience of all my kids. I honestly don't think it has to do with their age. It has more to do with their maturity and their confidence with the situation. My 8 year old son is a handful and I'd be afraid of sending him off to a friend's house overnight. Although I thought I'd have to really be careful with my teenaged boys and sleepovers, I probably trust them the most. They have excellent judgement and aren't at all interested in sleeping anywhere they don't feel 100% safe. I know many women who open their homes up to kids to always sleep on their living room floors and such. They just love to have a houseful of kids. I already have a houseful with my own kids so sleepovers at our house are reserved for birthday parties. If one of my kids asks for a sleepover birthday, I plan it and am fine with whatever number of kids decides to stay. My advice would be this; follow your instinct on this one! Good luck! D.
V., It really depends on your child to be honest. If he wants to have childeren stay over start that way , and see how it may go. My daughter is 10 almost 11 and we have loads of sleepovers but we always have the kid's here as she isn't thrilled about staying away from home. It has worked to our benefit. My theory is if you don't know the child or family well enough that would be a big fat NO. I hope this helpes you.... M..
I think it depends on how well you know the family he's going to.
My kids are too young, but in kindergarten if I knew the family I would consider letting it happen.
I remember going to my first sleep overs in kindergarten and 1st grade so 5-6 years old. The deal being mom had to know the parents..
