Sleepless

I've not traditionally been a fan of the sleepover. As an adult, I mean. As a child--particularly as a teenager--I loved them. As a parent, however, I've been lukewarm on the idea at best. Even though it seems like all of Diva Girl's friends are having them--they've been the favoured birthday party theme this year--I've been reluctant to allow her to enter this new phase.

I'm just not comfortable with the idea of her sleeping at someone else's house. Part of that stems from the fact that she's only been sleeping her in own bed for a few months now, and part of it stems from the scary world we live in. I don't have any real concern about the dads and older brothers who might be present during these events, but I have to admit, I feel better knowing that she's tucked up safe in her bed at night with just me and her sister for company. And the idea of having a sleepover at my house? That's just a whole new set of terrifying possibilities.

Diva Girl has never shared my reluctance, however. She just knows that she's been missing out on something fun-- something that has begun to take on almost mythic proportions in her mind--and she doesn't like it. It's not fair she tells me whenever the subject comes up, which seems to be frequently. The rub is, she's right; it's not fair. I mean, there's really no good reason not to have a sleepover here, other than the fact that every time she mentions it, I start to think of all the work it would entail. (In case you haven't noticed, I tend towards the Slacker category when it comes to my mommy philosophy.)

Sensing a chink in my armor, she's been slowly wearing me down. Her room is tidy--perfect for long hours playing with her friend. She'll be good. She's got that fabulous new tent for them to sleep in. She'll be good. And, the capper, it's Summer Vacation. So, this weekend I took a big breath and an even bigger step, telling Diva Girl that while she still isn't allowed to sleep over at her friends' houses, she can invite a friend to sleep over here. To say she was happy would be an understatement. An invitation was immediately issued (before I could change my mind, I think), and plans began to be made for The. Best. Sleepover. EVER!

There will be pizza for dinner and movies and junkfood--candy skewers and chips and maybe even rootbeer! There will be Build A Bears and Groovies and Pollies galore, plus skipping ropes, soccer balls, and bubbles. If they're really lucky, even the pool. Of course there will be late night giggles and threats to go to sleep RIGHT NOW. Most of all, I hope there will be fabulous memories and another layer to what looks to be a beautiful friendship.

And at least some sleep.

Comments

Now you just have to figure out the 'how do we exclude my sister' dynamics. (oh, I guess I shouldn't wallow in my own personal experience).

Good luck!