Should I allow my 4-year-old daughter have a sleep over with her best friend who happens be a boy (also 4)?
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$3 Answers
I think that for me the question would be "do I really want a 4 year old sleeping here?" The issue would be age, not gender.
I would allow them both to sleep in the same room, different bed; or on the floor for a "camp out" (maybe you could join them for HIS comfort level- sleeping in a strange house and all).)
If you decide to extend an invitation, ask the friend's mom EXACTLY what the bedtime routine is. Make sure he has anything he sleeps with and bathing, brushing of teeth, milk, diaper, hugs, whatever are as similar to his home as possible.
Even with preparation, he will probably ask to go home sometime during the night. Be ready to drive him home or make sure his mom/dad are ready to come get him when called.
As for when is too old, I think that girls and boys both develop "cooties" at 7-8 anyway, don't they?? If not, I would not allow a girl to sleep here with my boys, in the same room after 6 or so. I would allow it if I could provide her with her own room.
Good luck and have fun.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I'll add that if there's been any sexual misconduct against the child (on either side of the equation) there is a chance that it can come up between the children too - not maliciously of course, purely innocent. But if you're not prepared to supervise their activities or conversation (should it need to be guided in a better direction) then don't have the sleepover.
One child asking another if they want to have sex or if they can touch their parts can make adults uncomfortable (obviously the questions mean nothing sinister to the child). Being prepared (at any age) to answer questions or give age appropriate responses/guidance is the responsibility of any parent. Some are more prepared than others.
Be smart, informed and responsible. Let the kids be kids without the adult baggage. Of course it's okay to have the sleepover. :)
I wouldn't allow a sleep over at this age just because you don't want them to get the impression that's it's acceptable at this young age. If your daughter gets the impression it's okay at four or five or six but it's not at seven and beyond, that's confusing.
You don't want to send mixed signals to your child. Be clear on about what's acceptable in your home and what's not. Kids thrive in a consistent environment.
There's not an appropriate age for boys and girls to have a sleepover.
You can't be too careful with what and who your kids are exposed to.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
