Question about birthday/slumber party?

MommyToAshley wrote: Ashley is invited to a birthday slumber party. I don't know the parents at all, and even if I did, I think Ashley is too young for a slumber party. I know a lot of people think that is ok at this age, but I suppose I am just over-protective.

Anyways, for the question... Ashley would like to go to the party but I am not ok with the sleeping over part. Would it be rude to say that Ashley could come for just a few hours or should I just decline all together. Also, since it is at someone's house would it be rude if I stayed? Again, I don't know these parents and would not be comfortable just dropping Ashley off.

Jamison'smama replied: I agree about not sleeping over---unless it is a very good friend or family member I would also decline. I think it's fine to let her go just to the party part then take her home--maybe you can stay for a little while and see how if feels---are they supervised, do you have a good feeling or I'm sure it is fine if you stayed the whole time. I have plenty of moms stay for our birthday parties---do you know any other kids that are going? What are their parents doing?

kimberley replied: i wouldn't allow the sleep over either unless i knew the parents well. i think just staying for just the party should be fine.

Calimama replied: I def. wouldn't let her stay with someone if I didn't know them well. I would call and talk to the parents, I'm bet they wouldn't have a problem with you staying for a bit. They could probably use the extra pair of hands.

luvmykids replied: Ditto to everyone else...I would allow a sleepover here but I would be suprised if anyone elses parents let them stay at this age.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Maddie isn't allowed either. She was invited to one last yr and we left after the party stuff. I told the mom in advance that Maddie would not be staying the night and she completely understood. I don't think any kids stayed, but the little girl has an older sister (teens) and she wanted a slumber party.

I don't even let Maddie go to b-day parties alone.

luvbug00 replied: Yep IMO too young for a slumber party. But offer your extra help as a way to hint you want to stay.

jcc64 replied: God, when I was a kid, I don't think I had my first sleep over until I was 12! I know things are different now, but at 5?!
Fwiw Dee Dee, my ds is almost 12, and he still has a few friends who don't spend the night. They hang out until 10 or 11pm, and then their folks come and get them. For them, it's more a function of the child not wanting to sleep out rather than the parents, but there is no stigma attached as far as I can see. You're doing the right thing, imo.

Kaitlin'smom replied: well if I knew the people I would not have a problem with it, but if I did not know the parents I woudl let her go to the party but not spend the night. In either case I woudl most likey hang around for a while I am not one who likes to drop her off and go, I felt really weird having DH doing that at ashleys party, thats why I came when I could.

MommyToAshley replied:
It was no big deal to us... we know each other well enough, at least I think. The girls had a blast and I am just glad you could work it out so Kaitlin could come.

However, the party Ashley is invited to, I have never even met the parents. I would definitely not drop her off and go. I just wasn't sure how to approach it since it was at someone's house.

moped replied: No I think you are right - and i am sure the parents would be just fine with her being there a few hours - one less kid sleeping there right?

lovemy2 replied: I would definately not allow a sleepover at this age unless I really really knew the parents but even then I am not so sure - I guess it would depend on who the person was -

I would lean towards declinig all together - I would hate for Ashley to be upset that she has to leave when everyone else is staying - I know Olivia would blow a cork - not sure about Ashley

Kaitlin'smom replied:
I know and I thank you, I guess its more I was sad I did not get to play also , darn work thing. If it had been someone I did not know I would have never left her but I have know you all for a long time, so it was easier.

Kaitlin'smom replied: Oh and I think the parents are brave/crazy something for even thinking of have that many kids sleep over, deffinalty not some I would do at this age 1 or 2 fine but no more it would make me

danahas4monkeys replied: No way , not at this age! I dont really like it with my oldest and she's almost a teenager lol! And I always meet with the parents before hand to check them out and ask other parents!

punkeemunkee'smom replied: Taylor had a slumber party for her 6th birthday in May and I was actually surprised that the parents DID just drop the kids off and they all actually stayed! Of course they were all (with the exception of one) girls from Girl Scouts so I knew all the parents and I made it clear that they were welcome to drop back in or come over at anytime. I would not have had any problem with any one of them staying Honestly I would not be comfortable dropping Tay off and leaving and def. would NOT do a sleepover somewhere else...I know that sounds hypocritical of me but I just know her personality! If it were our party and you wanted to stay I would say HOORAY for an extra set of hands so I don't think it is rude at all!