Is It Time to Let Your Child Have a Sleepover Play Date?
Once kids reach about 7 or 8 years of age, they may want to have a sleepover with one of their friends. Sounds fun, but is your child really ready for an overnight play date? Here are some questions to ask yourself about your child before you allow a sleepover with a friend.
Does Your Child Sleep Well Through the Night?
Do you have a child that gets up frequently throughout to go to the bathroom, get some water, come into your bedroom, etc.? Does she get nightmares or is she afraid of the dark? Does she ever wet the bed accidentally? If any of these situations are still going on, your best bet is to hold off on the sleepovers, particularly sending her to someone else’s home. If your child is not a good sleeper, chances are that the other friend will feel uncomfortable and maybe embarrassed. Hold off until you have a solid sleeper and confident child.
How Well Do You Know the Parents of Your Child’s Friend?
Taking in a child overnight or sending your child to another home for a sleepover is a big responsibility. How well do know the child and the parent(s) or guardian(s)? Be sure to meet and get to know each other relatively well before scheduling a sleepover for the children. Have the parent over for coffee or lunch and get to know her as well as you can. Find out what the rules of the household are and who else lives in the home or may be there during the sleepover. Answer any questions she may have too so a trust is formed. Be sure to exchange numbers and any pertinent information, including an emergency number and your physician’s contact info. You will feel at ease knowing as much about the family as possible before setting up an overnight stay.
Do the Kids Normally Have Positive Play Date Experiences?
How well do the kids get along normally? Do they share well, communicate positively, and look forward to their time together? Or, do they tend to bicker, tease each other, and get in arguments over petty things? A few hours after school is one thing, but all night is longer than it sounds. Make sure the kids are great pals who love to be together all the time. You don’t want them to have an unpleasant overnight experience. Be sure the kids play together many times before considering a sleepover.
How did you know when it was time to allow your child to have a sleepover play date? How old was your child? For more information like this, please visit All My Children.
By: Melissa A. Kay
