Kids having sleepovers need to be reminded about what is appropriate and how to get out of a weird situation
It is too easy to become complacent with sleepovers. Here are some questions people should know or ask themselves before their child has a sleepover. The age is not the main requirement, the crucial point is the parent’s feeling comfortable that their child is in a safe environment. The aim of a sleepover is fun, but fun can’t be had unless precautions are taken. If it is all too much for you at the moment – host a sleepover at your house.
- whose home will the sleepover be at?
- Do you know everyone who is living there or staying there at the moment?
- How long have you known the host family and how do you feel about them?
- Is their home an unhealthy environment?
- Does your child have allergies or food issues?
- Have you spent time in their home before?
- Do you have similar values as the child’s parents?
- Who’s supervising… parents, teenage babysitter?
- Have you discussed “thumbs up/thumbs down touches” with your child and given them some scripted responses to help them get out of any weird situation?
- What other kids may be spending the night?
- Are kids sleeping in beds, sleeping bags, sharing air mattresses?
- Can you communicate your questions comfortably with the other parents?
- Does your child know they can call you anytime, even in the middle of the night, to come pick them up?
- Does your child have a mobile phone or will they have to ask the host to use their home phone?
- Can your child do that for themselves?
- Is your child going to have to bath there?
- What activities are planned? Are the adults also having a party or get-together with their friends that night?
- Will there be a lot of other adults there, possibly drinking alcohol, while kids are around?
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