Sleepovers

So, what is your take on sleepovers?

Honestly, I am not a fan. The thing is, if you start allowing your kids to have sleepovers or go for sleepovers, the requests will not end..or will it?

The only place where we allow the kids to have sleepovers is their grandparents' place. And since they've had a taste of freedom from us, they really love it and it's been a routine ever since.

The thought of allowing the kids to sleepover at their friend(s)' home, we are not keen. They will have plenty of that when they are much older. Or, maybe they won't have it at all because according to Amy Chua aka Tiger Mom, she never allowed sleepovers. Seems like her kids have grown up fine.

We are traditional. No sleeping over at other people's house. Can go over for a playdate but no sleeping over. Kids under the age of 7 are not allowed to spend time at people's house unsupervised. As a result, I have had to decline requests for playdates for my 5 year old because I am so freaking lazy hehehhe...

Nevertheless, I do feel bad when parents ask for sleepovers. No matter what I say, I am implying that they (the parents) are not trustworthy or I do not trust them or whatever.

Oh well.

I remembered once when I was 8 or so. My parents left me with a relative. Because some people were visiting and we all went over to this relative's house. My grand aunt suggested that I could spend the night with them. She had good intentions. She thought the kids could all hang and play. At the time, I really didn't want to but my mom gave in out of respect to my grand aunt. But, the older 'aunt' was really mean. She completely dominated our playtime and excluded me in all their activities. Of course, I felt so so miserable and I totally didn't enjoy myself whatsoever. All the while, I kept hoping and praying that my parents would come bring me home. I just wanted to get out of there.

My mom didn't know any better. But, as a parent now, I know what sleepovers can potentially be and if I can prevent any unpleasantries from happening to my own kids, I will do my best not let it happen. Besides, when they are older, they will have all the opportunities for sleepovers with their friends. What with school camps and whatever else camps that they may attend. Just not the time now....yet.