Important Questions to Ask the Host of the Sleepover

Before you let your child sleep over his/her friend's house, it is best to get to know the parent. You should meet with the parent over lunch so that the both of you can talk and ask questions about each other's children and the home rules that apply. After meeting the parent you should do a home visit to inspect the environment that your child will be staying in. If you would like to kill two birds with one stone, see if you can schedule the lunch date at the parent's home that way you can get to know the parent, as well as get to inspect the house, and others living there. Even if you do know the parent it is still best to get a look inside the home, to make sure the conditions are safe. Below is a list of questions and things to look out for before sending your child to a sleep over.

How many children will attend the sleepover and how old.(It may not be ideal to mix older children with very young ones.)

How many adults will be there to supervise the children? Will you keep a roster of all the children?

Are there any firearms or medication in the house, and if so are they locked up and out of the children's reach?

What is the sleepover itinerary? Do you plan on taking them out, how far, and where to?

How late will the kids stay up?

Tell the host of any allergies that your child may have, or any medication that your child may take. (If your child needs medication at a certain time, stress that to the parent, and do not hesitate to call the parent just before the medication should be given to your child. If the medication involves a complex procedure like needles, you should go to the house and administer it to your child yourself.

Tell the host of any health conditions Diabetes, Asthma, and what should be done to properly care for the child.

Does the parent smoke, and if so is it done outside, ask this question if you are concerned about your child being around smoke.

Enlighten the host on any specifics of food, or food preparation.

Notify the host of any rules that apply to your child (no computer, t.v, candy, no staying up late etc.)

Notify the host of any fears or personal problems that your child may have.

Observe the host, is she impatient, harsh, unresponsive?