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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To keep my three nephews up all night?

359 replies

Upfiner · 24/09/2026 21:40

I am having my three nephews over for a sleepover. They’re six, just turned two and five months. The eldest has slept over a few times but not the younger two.

Instead of wrestling them into bed I am planning to let them stay up as late as they like. I’ve always done this with the eldest and he loves it and usually falls asleep at about 10:30pm. I’ll obvious have the baby in his crib but I’ve got a huge corner sofa so I’m going to bring the duvets down and we can just have a slumber party downstairs.

I told my friend who has two sons and she thinks that this will impact their whole week and their schooling and routine and probably exam results and future careers.

I’m not going mad am I? This is fine for one fun evening?

OP posts:
Smartiepants79 · 24/09/2026 21:44

Tonight? What are they doing tomorrow? Is the eldest going to school? Are you looking after them all day tomorrow or expecting their parents to pick up the pieces of a very tired set of kids.
In theory it’s a fun idea. The youngest two are not old enough for it though in my opinion. The elder one but not on a school night. As a parent I’d be unimpressed if you were bringing them back to me to look after for the day if they’d had no sleep!

Happyhappyday · 24/09/2026 21:43

I mean keeping a 2yo and a baby up late sounds terrible for everyone (an overtired 2yo and baby may then struggle to calm down enough to go to sleep) and I would not let you have my kids again if you did that because I’d be paying for it for several days afterward. If it’s been ok with the 6yo, why not let him stay up as a special treat and put the others to bed? The baby and 2yo sure as shit won’t see it as a special treat.

ShhhYouDontKnowMe · 24/09/2026 21:43

Are you looking after them for the entirety of the following day as well? I wouldn’t have loved being handed back an over-tired toddler the morning after, personally!

Upfiner · 24/09/2026 21:42

Parents couldn’t care less! They’re just delighted to be having a night child free. They have never issued instructions, they trust me.

OP posts:
Wonkybaby · 24/09/2026 21:42

You’ll be bitterly regretting that when they all wake up at 6am and are tired and cranky from not getting enough sleep.

ThePoisedOpalBird · 24/09/2026 21:42

Upfiner · 24/09/2026 21:40

I am having my three nephews over for a sleepover. They’re six, just turned two and five months. The eldest has slept over a few times but not the younger two.

Instead of wrestling them into bed I am planning to let them stay up as late as they like. I’ve always done this with the eldest and he loves it and usually falls asleep at about 10:30pm. I’ll obvious have the baby in his crib but I’ve got a huge corner sofa so I’m going to bring the duvets down and we can just have a slumber party downstairs.

I told my friend who has two sons and she thinks that this will impact their whole week and their schooling and routine and probably exam results and future careers.

I’m not going mad am I? This is fine for one fun evening?

I am a very uptight mum when it comes to schedules etc but when my dad and sister have my toddler everything goes out the window and they run the show how they want (usually with a lot of TV, snacks and a late night). It has never caused a problem for me the next day.

Whoddathoughtit · 24/09/2026 21:41

I’d say if it’s a Friday night go for it, the little ones will likely crash out early doors anyhow?

AnneLovesGilbert · 24/09/2026 21:41

You don’t mention what their parents think.

Chunkybabythighs · 24/09/2026 21:40

The only person you should be asking is the parent.

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