First Sleepover: When Your Kid Doesn't Want to Go

A parent shouldn't force a child to attend a sleepover if he doesn't want to go. Sleepovers aren't mandatory. If your child wants to go to the party but not sleep over, let him go until a reasonable time and then pick him up. In order for your child to "save face" you can say you want him to have a good night's sleep because he has a family commitment the next day.

When the next sleepover opportunity arises, re-visit the idea. Your child may have changed his mind. If not, ask your child why he doesn't want to sleep over. It may well be that he has misgivings about that particular house or child. Or it may be that he does not like the exhausted feeling the next day. Some kids just like the creature comforts of home. (Hey, that's a testament to what a great parent (and cook?) you are!)

Remember, there is nothing wrong with a child who does not want to sleep at another child's house.