Tara Huck, a social media influencer and mom of two, went viral on TikTok and Instagram a couple of years ago, but it’s recently popped up again. The video is of her sharing three unpopular parenting opinions. One was, “As long as school and chores are done, I don’t limit screen time.” Another was, “If they don’t eat what I make, they don’t eat.” But the one that really got people talking was: “I don’t allow sleepovers.” There are some strong opinions about sleepovers, and it makes us wonder if, in 10 years or so, we’ll be talking about sleepovers like we talk about lawn darts or riding a bike without a helmet. I can’t believe my parents let me do that. So what do you think? Should kids go to sleepovers?
If you choose to listen to this episode, we’d like to issue a trigger warning for anyone who might have a history with molestation or other abuse. Unfortunately, that’s one of parents’ many concerns with allowing kids to go to sleepovers. Others include alcohol, guns, and pornography. Most people say they let their kids stay at the houses of trusted friends, but often, that’s where abuses happen, by an older brother or sister. If you are unsure whether to allow your child to stay at someone’s house, be sure to listen to our list of questions to ask yourself to decide whether it’s a yes or a no.
We also want to help you equip your kids for the times you do allow them to venture out and be more independent, so we share conversation starters about boundaries and ways to give them an out if they want to come home.
Articles We Mentioned
The Pros and Cons of Sleepovers. Should You Say Yes?
4 Questions to Ask Before You RSVP Yes to a Sleepover
Printables We Think You’ll Like
Where do you stand on sleepovers?
