How old for a "sleep over"?

**tiggles** · 08-10-2008 17:33

DD1 is now 7, and constantly asking for a sleepover.

My concern is, when she has friends over to play, they start to squabble after 3-4 hours and are totally over each other.

So my question is, how old is old enough for a sleep over? And, how do you stop them from squabbling?

BTW, I provide lots of activities when her friends are here, just seems they get a bit ratty and start to bicker and tell tales on each other.

**twotrunks** · 08-10-2008 19:16

7 must be the age for bickering and telling tales! My DD1 has been having sleepovers for a long time, mostly cause we have close friends from our mum's group when she was born. She has just now (grade 2) started sleepovers with school friends, and she has gone to the other girl's house, so I don't know if they squabble!
I would suggest having the friend over late in the afternoon, so they only have a little while to play before bedtime. And make it clear to the frined that they can go home any time if they are uncomfortable.
Good luck!
TT

**WorkingClassMum** · 08-10-2008 19:24

If both families are comfortable, 7YO is fine IMO for a sleep over.

My kids have slept over with family since they were young, but DS had his first sleep over when he was 6 with a school friend.

DD is 4.5 and she's had a sleepover with the neighbour (same age child)

**~Candy~** · 08-10-2008 20:02

7 is a good age to start sleep over's..my tip is...only have 1 friend over...no more as they end up fighting and taking sides...and get their parents to pick them up early/mid next morning...not late as both you and the kids find it's too long

Oh., and be careful with what you feed them...lol, not too much sugary treats before bed

lol

**Lastcenturymum** · 08-10-2008 23:17

Yep sounds a good age. Squabble time is bed time!

**Ys_Woman** · 11-10-2008 21:57

..7 is a good age to start.
I found dd2 didn't fight with her friend when she slept over and yet when they have an afternoon playdate they get sick of one another pretty quickly...yep.. tell on each other, stop including the friend in games etc..funny little critters.

Try the sleepover at your house first and see how it goes..just make sure the kid's parents are happy with you ringing them at any time of the night in case 'Mary' gets homesick at 11pm.

Amy