Excellent topic. My wife and I have been conversative on sleepovers. Although it is very popular in our area, we have to know the parents very very well to consent to a sleepover.<br />

Well, Good Question. My 9 year old has had a few sleep overs allready. I think its when you feel your child is ready. And if you know the sisutation the child will be in? i mean my kid only stays where i know the parents.... but to each there own...

Hi LDavy,

This really is a great question.  Unfortunately you and your friend are right to have concerns.  Sleepovers can be really fun for kids and can be a great way for them to spread their wings a little, but there are also some real risks to consider.  

I think decision about "when?" is less important that the decision of "who with?"  In order for the child to really have fun you want her to be old enough to feel comfortable falling - and staying - asleep in another house which happens for most kids around 5 or 6.

But "who with" is a much bigger deal.  I would only consider letting my boys go on a sleepover with a family that I know very well.  Not just well enough to trust that they'll take good care of my children, but well enough to have a really hard conversation with.  For example, I think it's important to talk to the host parents about your expectations about video games, movies, and TV the kids will watch at your house.  You should find out whether or not there are weapons in the house and how they're locked if they're there.  You should ask whether or not the family plans to have other adults or teenagers in the home while your child is there (and reschedule the sleepover if they're planning to).  You should confirm that the parents will be supervising the whole time (not teenaged kids).  

Just because you know, trust, and even like the host parents, you can't assume that they'll handle each of these issues in the same way you do.  You owe it to your child to find out explicitly.

In terms of getting the child ready for the sleepover, I found it helps to let them choose one "lovey" to take (for younger kids obviously) and to have a picture of the family in their bag in case they start feeling homesick.  It's also important for her to know that you'll come pick them up in the night if she needs you to - just knowing she doesn't have to stay will probably ensure that she will.

Let us know what your friend decides!

Kat
Education.com Community Team

I think its when you feel that your child is already ready. It is important for you to know the objectives why your child needs to over night, if these reasons made you comfortable and safe for your  children, then there's no reason to say no! trust on them.  Children today have their own consciousness and conscience in doing things for their own good.  so we just have to support them and stay intact as a family.

I think the right time for the children to have sleepover is when they are ready.  If you can see with his actions that he is quite responsible enough to have certain actions for himself.  And the fact now a days is that children do know what will be the effects of their action.

I think they should be 10 years old & up. And you should know the persons parents for a long time.And trust your child and their friends guardians.

it really up to ur parnets to trust u 2 not do nottin bad when u do go sleep over

4,714 people said a kid should be 10-13 for their first sleep over