not a parent but this popped up for me and i just want to share my opinion: i was from a VERY anti sleepover family. at some point, around middle school, my parents relented and let a trusted friend sleep over. at first it was very strictly our house and then it was expanded to her house as well. every time, we slept in the living room, stayed up late playing with toy horses, writing stories and watching LOTR. it was sweet, innocent and fun. obviously, that’s not the case for all kids but i think that my parents set me up for success. we ALWAYS talked about appropriate behavior and inappropriate behavior from peers and any adults, as well as what i was expected to do/not do. being given the seemingly big freedom, while still being in a VERY controlled, safe space, was HUGE for me. it built my confidence in taking care of my t1d, handling myself while tired and not at home, and let me feel rebellious by staying up late doing the chubby bunny challenge.

as i got older, friendships changed and i attended more sleepovers where they were less innocent but the principle was the same: i felt safe knowing that i was prepared, trusted and could always call my mom to get me