Sleep overs

 

My son in law is from Egypt and he and often find ourselves on the opposite side of an argument.  However, there is one subject on which we can agree; sleep overs for young children.  I can seldom finagle to get the boys, ages six and eight to spend the night.  Their father’s position is he wants the boys at home and why do they need to be away?  So there are no small boys coming and going with back packs from their home.

It is unfortunate that the parent/parents of Connor and Noah Barthe did not share the same view. Now I am not blaming the parents, their loss must be unimaginable, this was an accident.  However we have legalized seat belts and cars seats to prevent accidents.  We, as a country, need to take more care with our children.

I have seen more harm than good come from sleep overs.  Often there are more than two children involved and in numbers come trouble.  Who has not heard of sleep over children who storm the kitchen, watch adult movies and videos, help themselves to liquor and even partake of prescription drugs?  All while the adults are sleeping!

Both my daughter and I had disturbing episodes, of the personal nature, while on sleep overs.  They were definitely not the fault of the host but had we been at home this trauma would have been avoided.

Our children are the most precious gift; we should watch them like we would an invaluable work of art, a fortune in cash or a priceless antique.  Would you send one of those treasures out for the night?

I do advocate occasional sleep over visits with grandparents to give the parents a break and the grandparents some alone time with the younger generation.   However most grandparents are getting older and both parents and grandparents should review sleeping arrangements, safety issues, and security of adult materials and proximity of pets.  Too many little ones have been bitten by the family pet! 

When you and your family feel sleep overs might be appropriate here is my check list;

ü  Child should be about ten

ü  Ensure you know the family your child  will be visiting

ü  You need to have visited the home, preferably more than once

ü  Inquire about sleeping arrangements, safety issues, and security of adult materials and proximity of pets

ü  If you are not 100% with the answers do not let you child go!

ü  Ask about hours for sleep, what and when they will eat

ü  Check access to Television, cell phones, electronic games and social media

 

I am sure all you parents can add more to my list and thoughts.  My last point is that the majority of bullying episodes happen between 3 or more children.  Do not set your child up to be the victim.

 

No one asked me, but I say No to sleep overs.  The exception being to their grandparents.