Sooner or later, your child will ask: “Can I go to a sleepover?” As a parent, you will need to decide if you and your child are ready.

Sleepovers and sleepover parties are becoming popular, especially among girls. This five-point checklist will help you make the right decision when your child asks for a sleepover.

 1. Is this the right choice for your child?

Some children aren’t ready for a sleepover. They may not be comfortable with the idea of staying somewhere else, but may feel pressure from their friends. Or, maybe they don’t really understand what is involved in a sleepover. Make sure this is the right thing for your child, taking their age, confidence, comfort and maturity levels into consideration.

Read our article about the right time for first-time milestones.

2. Do you know the other parents? Do you have a relationship with them and trust them?

This may seem obvious, but knowing who the adults are and trusting them with your child is an important consideration before you allow your child to sleep over at another person’s house.

3. Do you know who else will be at the house during the sleepover?

Older siblings, family friends, an uncle from out of town – make sure that you know all the people who your child will come in contact with and, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, cancel or reschedule the sleepover.

4. Will the chosen media be at an acceptable standard?

Many children are first exposed to unsavoury content at a sleepover. You’ll need to set clear expectations for the night your child will be there.  Let the host parent know of any limitations on social media or screen time.

5. Does your child have options and know the arrangements?

Talk through what a sleepover is and some of the things they should expect. Role-play possible scenarios they might come across and have them practise their answers. If necessary, come up with a code word for your child to use if they want to come home, but don’t want their friends to know. Schedule set times to call them for a quick check-in phone call and arrange a pick-up time, if appropriate.

If your child asks you to host a sleepover, you can find some tips here.