To not want daughter having a sleepover in my home

[charley30]

I'm worrying myself sick . It's all she wants to do over Easter . I really feel if I said no she'd be upset . She's an only child just moved to a new school and gas just met a bunch of great kids . She's slept over in one of their houses lately but then got this idea and it's been carried on from there as they're off school . I don't have any idea where to start what do they need how to keep them entertained . They're 11 oh in such a tizz IV been so unwell since Christmas with thyroid iv lost a lot of confidence and trying not to show it . Was thinking of giving them the living room any ideas?

This thread has reminded me of sleepovers when I was small. They were literally the most exciting thing ever (more exciting than a far flung holiday now). God knows what we laughed at but there was always a feeling of near hysteria. Completely understand that having new people in your home makes you anxious (I am the same)... but man, those times were good! Better than teenager parties with alcohol etc. Just your mates, pyjamas, junk food and a film...which always spilled over into completely RIDICULOUS conversations. So much nicer than all the posturing that came later... Kids at 11 are yet to be so concerned about being "cool". I remember one friend who was always a bit buttoned up prancing around with balloons up her top ...super out of character & it was great. Just let them enjoy themselves.

My dd is 12. Her last sleepover was so easy.

Made them burgers. Made the DVD player available to them. Lots of cushions and air beds and the WiFi password .

I didn't hear much from them at all. They tend to get into pyjamas very quickly and entertain themselves.

Oh the Post-it note game can be very popular. You know the one where everyone gets to choose a person for each person to be, write it down and post it on your forehead so you can't see it (obviously you don't know who they've chosen for you) Then you have to ask questions to guess who it is. It always goes down quite well.

Thank you so much this has really helped yes I do think it's imp as she's trying to establish a friendship with them and this seems to be what they want to do . Also they're polite and well behaved so shan't have any trouble . I think I'm going to have to put myself out from my comfort zone here . I don't get to go a lot of places due to how I am feeling daily so I can try and do things for her at home and not feel such a failure . You've all given me great tips . New to this lol so ice to hear from Mums who've done it . I overthink everything !!

Tell her you're too poorly right now, but do set a date for sometime in the future (her birthday maybe?)

Great to hear you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It's very important to children to have friends come to their home. If you speak to the adult offspring of an alcoholic parent for example they'll often talk about how they couldn't bring friends home and how isolating it was for them, leading to social anxiety as they got older. Sleepovers are an important part of social development.

That's fab OP and how lovely your daughter wants to bring friends home. She will love it and you will be fine I am sure.

Make sure your DD knows that YOU are setting the bedtime. 10:30 - 11 totally late enough. Make sure they all know they have to be quiet after that time.

We go camping so got plenty of airbeds from Go Outdoors or similar, or cushions. We've given up our double bed before and had 3 in there (4 when they were younger!) and 2 on the floor. (DH and I in spare room).

Tell guests to bring sleeping bags/duvets and pillows.

Pancakes for breakfast in the morning. Pick up at 10am. Sorted! Your DD will love you forever! Don't plan much aside from tv the day after.