aving a sleepover is something that most kids look forward too, but it can also be a little frightening. For your child’s first sleepover he will probably be more comfortable at a grandparent’s or cousins home. You can also feel better because you know the people and the home well. But as your child gets older they will inevitably want to have a sleepover with a friend.
As a parent sending your child to a sleepover can be scary. Before allowing your child to have a sleepover at a friend’s house do the following:
- Make sure that you know the friend’s parents. Arrange a time to actually come by their home and meet them. You can tell a lot by walking into a person’s home. If the feeling in the home is not good don’t allow your child to sleep over. Instead invite the child to your house.
- Check to see that an adult will be present during the entire time your child is there.
- If your family has entertainment rules let the parent know before hand. For example my son is not allowed to watch PG-13 movies or play video games above an E rating.
- If your child has any allergies or medical issues let the friend’s parent know.
Try some of these tips to help your child feel more comfortable at a sleepover:
- Have your child take something special to sleep with. Most kids sleep with a stuffed animal or special blanket through elementary school. But if your child is embarrassed pack the animal or blanket in the sleeping bag. Then only your child needs to know that it is there.
- Have your child call you and say goodnight before going to bed. This helps ease the loneliness pangs that many children feel.
- Remind your child that if anything happens that they are uncomfortable with that they are not obligated to stay. You would be happy to come and pick them up no matter what time it is.
Before your child goes to a sleepover review these important rules:
- Be polite. My mother always stressed that when we were in someone else’s home we were to always use our best manners. This included saying, “please,” “thank you,” and getting along with others.
- Follow the house rules. Every home is different and different families have different rules. As long as your child is a guest in another home they need to follow their rules.
- Say thank you. Remind your child to thank their friend’s parents before leaving the sleepover.
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