How old for sleep overs?

[hulababy]

Just wondering how old your children starting having or going to sleep overs at their friend's house?

DD is 4y5m and started reception this month. She has made some close friends quickly and is having a couple of play dates each week, all lovely. We have met the parents of a few of the girls at a social event at school, plus a couple of other ccasions.

Well, DD is invited to tea after school at her friend's house (along with another girl who they play with). But friend's parents have suggested a sleep over.

They live about a 3-4 minute walk from us, just off the estate round the corner.

They know that DD is not 100% dry at night and said it is fine.

DD says she wants to go. DH thinks we should think about letting her give it ago, as the dad has said any problems then he'll bring her home as so close.

But I am nervous. She's only ever stayed at one of our parents without us before, and only started doing that last year. I have no idea if she'd settle, if she'd sleep, etc.

Am I worrying for nothing? Will she okay?

What age do childre n normally start sleep overs? I wasn't expecting it so soon!

I think it's too young personally. i've usually waited until they are in juniors (Y3) before starting sleepovers - you don't want to have to fetch her at 3 am, i've known a few parents who have had to do so.

DD1 first stayed at a friend's house when she was 2.5. It's the only place she's ever stayed, though.

(I had a newish baby, DP was away, friend's adorable mother offered and it was marvellous.)

I think 4 is to young for sleepovers. My eldest DD had her first one at nine it was for her best friends birthday. She then didn't go to another one until she was 10. Regular sleepovers did not happen until the girls were in high school.

On the subjet of sleep-overs (sort of) - what do people feel about school overnight trips. In DS's school they do one in Yr 2. DS is currently in Yr 1 and as he is an August b-day I am pretty sure I won't be ready for him to do this - he will be 6. Was trying to sound out other parents in his class but before doing so I mentioned it at a dinner party on Sat night and was made to feel that I am being a bit silly.

One argument was that if I stop him going He will miss out. Personally can't seem him wanteing to go but I may be wrong.

I am trying to just head this off at the pass really - I think that if the majority of parents don't want it then the school needn't organise it. Was told it has always been done in Yr 2 - daft reason for doing it next year but there you go!

Any thoughts oh wise ones??

budababe, thats a very difficult one, i wouldnt want my ds going if he was 6, on the other hand no way would i want him to miss out if all his friends were going....i soooo hope i dont have to make a decision like that, poor you,

would they be going far? how many would be looking after them?

i know my son would definitly want to go, i would be reluntant though, depends how mature and sensible he seems though

forgot to say, id be reluctant but theres no way i could let all his mates go and not him, it would break his little heart, i wouldnt want him to miss out

soooo what will you do?

I think she is too young hula. Let her stay and play all day, but come home after tea. I know DD would be bawling her eyes out to come home - she does this at her grandma's, so heaven knows what would happen at a friend's house.

bubbly - I think I will sound out the other parents in Ds's class and see what general consensus is. If most parents feel the same I will then sound out the other Yr 1 class. Am hoping that if the majority of parents don't actually want it that they may just organise a day trip for them. It is difficult but I know of a few parents who have kept children home from the trips - the children didn't particularly want to go though.

It strikes me as so unnecessary to be even thinking about overnight school trips in Yr 2.

I think 4 is too young tbh. I let DD at about 7 bug still was not totally happy and think 8 or 9 is a better age.