"Social development. Sleepovers provide opportunities for children to learn about social interactions in more relaxed, informal, and meaningful ways than most kids experience in their busy daily lives. Ample time for unstructured play. There's strong evidence that "unstructured play...is a fundamental necessity for children to thrive physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially." Friendship-building. Friendships get a chance to deepen and develop in the longer, unstructured hours of a sleepover."
"Many major media outlets-as well as lots of other information sources for parents-have been covering the dangers of kids having sleepovers, with reports from parents and experts who describe kids' sleepovers as "dangerous," "harmful," "unhealthy," and even " traumatic." I think of sleepovers as inherently beneficial for kids, but I also respect the concerns I've been reading about. Here's a quick summary of some of the benefits and concerns, and some recommendations for parents as they consider saying yes to a sleepover."
Sleepovers support social development by allowing children to practice social interactions in relaxed, informal settings. They provide extended unstructured play, which research indicates is essential for physical, emotional, mental, and social thriving. Longer hours allow friendships to deepen and foster creativity through time for reflection and planning. Sleepovers build independence as children adapt to being away from home and manage new routines. Concerns include increased risk of sexual abuse, bullying, and sleep deprivation during unsupervised nighttime hours. Parents can reduce risks by confirming child maturity, ensuring responsible adult supervision, and establishing a clear escape plan.
Read at Psychology Today
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