20-40-60 Etiquette---Do you know the parents?
YOU ASK! WE ANSWER! YOU DECIDE!
By Callie Gordon, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Helen Ford Wallace
QUESTION: Is it OK for your child to attend a sleepover when you have never met the parents?
CALLIE’S ANSWER: It depends on how old your child is. Seventh-grade through high school — no, it is not OK. My mom always knew the parents, and if she didn’t, I couldn’t go. If they are younger than that, I would be hesitant to let them as well.
LILLIE-BETH’S ANSWER: I have dealt with this issue often, and my short answer is, no, I don’t let my children stay the night at someone else’s house unless I know or have at least met the parents and talked to them long enough to feel comfortable about the situation. My children understand that rule exists no matter who invites them.
Usually, a child’s invitation to a sleepover opens a door for me to meet new parents. I have handled this differently at different times. If it’s to spend the night with a single friend, I suggest a play date first. If the sleepover is a birthday party, I call to explain my rule and find out who else is attending. Most parents understand because they have the same rules for their children. We want our children to be safe.
The parents are usually very open about who will be at home during the party, where the siblings will be and what the schedule is. Sometimes I let my children attend the party but then agree to pick them up later the same evening, so they don’t spend the night. This is also a good solution if the kids have activities the next morning. Then, when we arrive at the party, I enjoy visiting with the parents before I leave for a while.
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