Developmental Readiness
For many kids, spending the night at a friend's house is the first time away from mom and dad—sleeping in a strange bed and following another family's rules. Consider your little one's age and temperament; most kids younger than age 8 aren't ready for sleepovers, says licensed therapist Mindy Utay. For children who have problems with bedwetting, night terrors or anxiety disorders, sleepovers are often an unnecessary source of stress since they require a break from routine. For example, a child taking ADHD medication may handle social situations well during the day, but when medication wears off at night they may feel uneasy, or engage in risk-taking behaviors.
