What are some good guidelines for sleepovers?
Hey Amy!
I need sleepover guidelines! I’m worried about kids getting up to all kinds of trouble and need some support as my kids start branching out into the world.
I peeked around your website and blog, but nothing caught my eye.
Thanks!
~ Mom of Elementary Age Kids
Sleepover guidelines for the real world
Hi Mom!
As you may recall, kids get into all kinds stuff during sleepovers and having some guidelines and rules is smart! I know that Savvy Parents Safe Kids probably has some great thoughts and ideas about sleepovers! They are all about child safety and are a wonderful resource.
Half-Sleepovers
When it comes to kids and families you are not particularly close to, one guideline is the idea of “half-sleepovers”. This means your child can stay at the other kid’s house late, get picked up and sleep at home. Your child may not like this idea because it sets them apart from the other kids, but it is safer for them (and offers peace of mind for you).
While your children are young, the half-sleepover is a great way to go. And, really, sleep deprived nine-year-olds can be really terrible people. Parenting is hard enough without adding this to the mix. With Milo, we only allowed him to stay overnight at the homes of his besties. We were close to the families and felt good about the kids’ time together.
Sleepover House Central
Another option is to make your house the “sleepover house” and have the kids in your home. This way you can control the internet access, when they go to bed and a certain amount of what they do.
Bottom line, trust your gut. If the idea of sleepovers makes you anxious, say no, do the half-sleepover thing and stick to your values.
You’ve got this!
~ Amy
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