Elbows off the Table, Napkin in the Lap, No Video Games During Dinner by Carol McD. Wallace

Author:Carol McD. Wallace
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466884786
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

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Sleepover Manners

The Basic Rules:

Follow the family routine • Eat what’s offered • Don’t keep the other kids awake • Don’t wake anybody up unless there’s an emergency • Take home everything you brought • Say “Thank you” when you leave

I remember as a child getting very excited about sleepovers, and my children still think it’s a great treat to spend the night at a friend’s house or have a pal over here. I’m not quite sure why; it’s not as if our normally tame routine erupts with pillow fights and midnight ice cream or even much giggling after lights-out. I suspect the appeal comes from the slight, unthreatening variation from the norm. An extra body breathing slowly in the dark. Cheerios eaten out of a different kind of bowl, the night light in a different place. Somebody to play with at 7 A.M. It’s a manageable adventure, and even the adults will find it manageable if your child follows these rules.

Follow the family routine.

Every family does things a little differently. That’s part of the appeal of a sleepover. But your child needs to understand that when she’s over at Sylvia’s house, she goes along with the program. If Sylvia’s mother reads a story to the whole family before bed, then a guest should sit and listen. Even if it’s a story she knows. Without making too much of an issue out of this, you should mention to your child that when she’s a guest, she does what’s expected of her. Even if bedtime is earlier than she’s used to.

Eat what’s offered.

Usually novelty provides enough charm to make meals at someone else’s house enticing. A child who wouldn’t eat fishsticks at home may find them very glamorous at his friend Patrick’s. But even if he doesn’t, he should shove them around the plate and eat his vegetables instead. If your child has food allergies, of course you’ll discuss that with the host parents before he goes off for the night. Otherwise, he should accept the rations that are doled out.

Don’t keep the other kids awake.

A certain amount of giggling and silliness is part of the game plan. But your child should be able to recognize that steely, “Now I’m serious” tone in a grown-up’s voice, and cut the cackle. It never hurts to be the first one to buckle under to authority.

Don’t wake anybody up unless there’s an emergency.

We had a guest over not long ago who woke up at five in the morning and wanted company, so he wakened one of my sons. I felt sorry for him, in a way. It’s no joke not being able to sleep. But I wasn’t going to have him depriving anybody else of sleep, too. Most children will be a little intimidated by being with another family, so they’re unlikely to stir unless they know other folks are awake. Still, it’s worth reminding your child how much adults value their sleep. Especially adults who aren’t related to them.

Take home everything you brought.

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