Why do Stepchildren need to stay the night?

[tinybluemoon]

Just a question that was raised in my other thread (Sorry MN head quarters, I know you hate these spin offs) that I thought might be worthy of exploration.

Why is it so important that our stepchildren stay the night? It isn't like any activities or bonding can be undertaken while sleeping, and I know myself I've always preferred to sleep in my own bed, and I know my own children are much the same. Surely it would be just as worth while to eat dinner as a family and than return home, especially if the children must be up early to be delieved home in the morning, not leaving much time for morning activities.

So why is it always viewed as important for visitation to include overnights? Who actually benefits from these? The children? The parents? The CSA? Who?

[Petal02]

DH treats DSS like a guest; DH is fearful that DSS may stop visiting if he's ever parented, disciplined or expected to muck in round the house. He's treated like a cross between royalty/toddler/invalid, not a family member.