This last year has been huge as far as watching my little girl turn into a little lady. She started kindergarten, rode on the school bus (which means no car seat or seatbelt), took part in actual field trips and was invited to her first sleepover. That last one was a tough one for me.
Growing up, I loved going to sleepovers. We watched movies, ate pizza and junk food, and sometimes played Light as a Feather Stiff as a Board. All very innocent stuff. But honestly, the world is a different place nowadays and sleepovers are something that falls into that “I don’t trust the world with my children” category. So when my very good friend told me that her daughter was having a sleepover party for her 7th birthday, I had to do some soul searching and make a decision. Luckily, I was told months in advance so I had some time to ponder and reflect. Of course I had a few questions:
“How many girls?” Answer: the birthday girl only wanted three girls. That made me feel better because sometimes the fewer the girls the better. Especially since she doesn’t go to school with these girls and only knows them because I am friends with their parents.
“What are y’all going to do?” Answer: the birthday girl wanted to go to Celebration Station and eat at Chick Fil A. Wow what an easy, inexpensive and fun party.
So far, I am liking what I am hearing and am surprising myself that I might actually be on board with this adventure. At some point, Avery overheard the plans and was excited from “sleepover at friend’s house.” Let the begging and pleading begin on her part and the threatening for good behavior on my part. Now I had to decide if Avery would actually stay the night or get scared, which might scar her forever.
After much reflection, I decided that it was a go. I came to this decision based on the fact that my friend and I are very similar in the way we raise our kids, the rules in our homes, and what I believe would be the best experience for Avery’s first sleepover.
The big day arrived. I thought I would be more nervous. I thought I would be more emotional. I didn’t realized how excited I would be that my little girl was embarking on a huge coming of age moment at a wonderful friend’s house. I probably drove my friend crazy with my texts every few hours checking in, but I appreciated the “Everything’s Good” texts back. My mind was put at ease. As it neared my bedtime and WAY past Avery’s (she falls asleep at 8:00), I texted one last time “Text me when the girls go to sleep.” Imagine my surprise when at 11:46 I get “Just went to sleep.” Well I guess she’s good and I’ll see her at pick up time.
Good night Avery, sweet dreams. I hope you made memories you keep for a lifetime.
To my friend, thank you for having a daughter that Avery will be friends with and make memories with for years to come.
Has your little one been invited to a sleepover at friend’s house? How did you make the decision if a sleepover was right for your family?
