If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if a sleepover is a good idea for your child. Your default response to a sleepover maybe no. Because of your cultural, religious beliefs, or even family values.
Sleepovers are well known to be unpopular with African parents for the reasons stated above. Growing up in Nigeria, I don’t recall ever attending a sleepover because it wasn’t the cultural norm.
Many parents are divided on the subject of sleepovers. Some argue that they provide opportunities to strengthen friendships, improve social and self-advocacy skills, and other benefits. Others, on the other hand, emphasise the potentially negative consequences, such as exposure to foul language, pornography, or even child abuse. As a result, some parents have a no sleepover policy or prohibit sleepovers before a certain age.
You may be debating whether to accept the sleepover invitation or decline and risk ruining your child’s friendship or even reputation (if he or she is a teenager). Whether or not your child attends a sleepover should not be taken lightly.
You should be confident that whatever decision you make is in the best interest of your child and not because you are feeling pressured by your child, the situation, or other parents. To help you decide if a sleepover is a good idea for your child, consider the following factors.
What Age Is Appropriate For Sleepovers?
When your child has an established cycle of friends, they may request a sleepover. There is no set age for a sleepover. However, how comfortable your child is with separation from you will decide this. Also, how well you and your child are acquainted with and trust the host family.
Sleepovers are one of the occasions that your child will be spending the night away from you. Therefore, ascertain that he/she is prepared for this and will be at ease with the host. Your child should, ideally, have visited the host family several times so that they are familiar with the setting.
I wouldn’t recommend a sleepover if you are not familiar with the host family. Or if your child lacks the emotional intelligence to recognise danger or is too young to manage their personal care needs.
What Do Kids Do When They Have A Sleepover?
Since a sleepover is a social gathering where young people spend the night, the purpose is to have a fun and memorable experience. Kids usually have a great time at a sleepover and make lasting memories.
Nevertheless, if children are not adequately supervised by an appropriate adult during a sleepover. It is possible for them to be exposed to harm such as pornography, drugs, and alcohol. Particularly between the ages of 12 and 18.
Things To Think About Before Agreeing To That Sleepover.
Before you agree to that sleepover, consider the following points:
- What is your level of familiarity with the host family? Do you have trust in the host parents’ ability to properly supervise your child?
- Do the host parents share your lifestyle and family values?
- How clean is the host family’s home? Is your child likely to face any hazards as a result of their uncleanliness?
- Does your child have any special medical needs? Do they wet the bed or require medication on a regular basis?
- Does your child have any dietary needs that cannot be met during the sleepover?
- Depending on your child’s age, do they have the necessary self-care skills, such as the ability to shower and dress themselves without adult supervision?
Some other things to consider are:
- Are you concerned about the host child’s behaviour when they visit your home? You should keep in mind that when your child goes to a sleepover, he or she becomes the responsibility of the host parents. As a result, if their parenting style is permissive, your child may be allowed to do things in their home that they would not normally do in yours.
- Enquire about the sleeping arrangements. Is there enough room to accommodate your child? Will your child be able to sleep soundly (despite the fact that they are unlikely to get much sleep that night)?
- How many people live in the home? How many children will be at the sleepover? Will your child have sufficient privacy? Can you guarantee that there will be no bullying?
After taking the following points into consideration, and you feel sleepovers is for your child. You may wish to respond to the invitation, but remember to inform the host family about your child’s specific needs.
However, if you are still strongly opposed to sleepovers, read on how to find out how to decline a sleepover.
How To Turn Down A Sleep Over
You can decline a sleepover for a variety of reasons, including:
- Your family has a no-sleepover rule.
- Your family has a no-sleepover rule before a certain age.
- You believe your child is too young or unprepared for one.
- You are not comfortable leaving your child in the care of the host family.
Simply notify the host parent that your child will be unable to attend the party. It is completely up to you whether or not you explain why. However, if you have a no-sleepover policy, you should mention it to avoid future invites. If this is not the case, you can simply state that after considering all factors, you believe your child is not yet ready for a sleepover.
Other Options to Consider If Your Child Is Unable to Sleep Over
If you wish for your child to participate in the party even though they cannot attend the sleepover. Consider a sleep under. This is where your child comes to the sleepover party in their pyjamas, participates in all of the activities, and then leaves shortly before bedtime.
Another option is for your child to attend the breakfast party in the morning.
Conclusion
This blog post discussed whether or not sleepovers are a good idea for your child. The information provided will assist you in deciding whether or not to accept them.
Leave a comment indicating whether you are team sleepover or not.
I’m from Jamaica and we frown on sleepovers outside of close family members. Thankfully, I have a son and they tend to do sleepovers less, so hopefully I can avoid the whole situation.
Hi Kimberlie, Yes I agree, as parents we must do what is best for our children and ourselves.
I also grew up where it’s not normal to have a sleepover. I had my first sleepover when I was 10 but that was after I kept begging my mom and her talking to my friend’s mom