I can already predict the reaction to this piece: 1) Some will call me a terrible mother while sharing their fond sleepover memories, and 2) Parents of my kids’ friends will likely panic and never let their kids sleep over again. (Mission accomplished, I suppose, with a mischievous grin).
The sleepover requests usually come on Saturdays, right after a chaotic day filled with kids, snacks disappearing faster than I can keep track, and my pool towels vanishing into the abyss. They dash in and out of the house, leaving the screen door wide open no matter how many times I remind them. I truly enjoy their laughter and energy—until the sun sets, and that’s when I’m done.
My patience wears thin around 10 p.m. as I shed my daytime persona. Once I slip into my well-worn sweatpants that have molded to my figure, I undergo a transformation from the picture-perfect suburban mom into a slightly disgruntled night owl. If your child is over for a sleepover with the night version of me, both of you might be in for a surprise.
If my kids catch me off-guard and ask for a sleepover before I’m fully in my comfy attire, I might say yes. But once I’m settled on the couch, it’s a free-for-all.
“Can you supervise the movie for Joey? He only watches G-rated films.” (Nope.)
“Please, can you make sure Haley doesn’t have sugar after 8?” (Not my concern.)
“Jackson has an early soccer game; can you ensure he’s in bed early?” (Not happening.)
I can assure you that if your child sleeps over, they’ll experience the same shenanigans I did as a kid. They’ll have access to a treasure trove of snacks, unfiltered movies, and late-night games until dawn. And come morning, I’ll return your little zombie with a sugar hangover so you can enjoy their complaints about being tired all day.
But let’s talk about one of the worst scenarios at a sleepover: that kid who suddenly decides at 2 a.m. that they miss their mommy. There they are, standing silently in the dark, staring at me like a character from a horror film.
“What’s wrong?” I grunt.
“I want to go home.” (Sniffle.)
“Okay, buddy, the car keys are downstairs. Just move the seat forward and remember to duck if you see a cop. Tell your mom I’ll grab the car in the morning.”
What I truly dread most about sleepovers is the expectation of breakfast the next day. Cooking? Not my forte. You won’t find me in an apron making pancakes and sausage while humming a cheerful tune. Coffee? That’s my specialty. If your child wants a caffeine fix, I can point them towards the Keurig.
What’s that? Your kid wants to sleep over at your house? Now you’re speaking my language. My kids absolutely adore a hearty breakfast!
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In summary, sleepovers can be a chaotic mix of fun and frustration. They’re a whirlwind of noise, snacks, and late-night antics that often lead to tired kids the next morning. While some parents cherish these events, I find them to be less than ideal for my own sanity.