A while back I read a blog post from a young father
that was interesting, thought-provoking, a wonderful example of Godly
parenting, and something I think is worth expounding on. The subject: Three reasons why they had decided to not
allow their children to participate in sleepovers. The writer stated that
as parents, it was his and his wife’s responsibility to keep their children
safe and to do whatever they could to protect them from danger—and that in
their opinion protecting them included not allowing sleepovers. He went on to
explain his reasoning, which was based on his own personal experience as a
child; experiences that included being exposed to pornography and being
subjected to sinful and illegal acts. He went on to say that while his wife’s
experiences weren’t that severe, she, too, had been exposed to things she
wished she wouldn’t have been.
As I read this article I remembered a few sleepovers I’d
been to that weren’t so great. Quite honestly my parents could have been a lot
more particular than they were—for my safety and protection. Nothing too
terribly bad happened, but there were times when things could have, and I would
have been right there in the middle of it all.
And then I thought about my own kids. Thankfully, I was more
particular when it came to who my kids stayed with. I made sure I knew the
parents and the kids, too. I may be wrong, but as far as I know my kids were
always safe and well-supervised at these events. And if I am wrong, I apologize
from the depths of my heart for falling down on the job, kids.
So what am I saying? Am I saying all sleepovers are bad? No, not
really. If done right and with the right people, they’re fine. The problem is
that more often than not, you don’t have any idea if it’s being done right or
how well supervised they are. Am I saying you should never let your kids out of
your sight or allow them to try something new, take a few risks, or experience
things outside their comfort zone? No, not at all!
What I am saying,
however, is that as parents, you need to be very careful about leaving your
children under the care and supervision of someone other than yourself—even if
it’s ‘only’ overnight or for a few hours. That’s right—even a few hours. As
careful as I was about who my kids spent time with, there were a couple of birthday
parties and playdates I still wish I wouldn’t have allowed because they weren’t
pleasant and exposed my kids to habits and attitudes I didn’t appreciate them
being exposed to.
I’m also saying that the new things they try and the risks,
and adventures they take need to be emotionally, physically and spiritually
sound. Otherwise, you are putting your child’s safety and well-being at risk
and that isn’t good parenting.
When I shared this article on my social media, I was
prepared for comments about being over-protective and suspicious. Instead, the
comments were completely supportive of the parents’ decision. In fact, every
parent with small children who commented said they were in full agreement with
these parents—with the exception of having sleepovers grandparents and aunts/uncles, that is.
Parents, there is nothing as precious and fragile than the
hearts and minds of your children. Love them. Guard them. Protect them.
Love,
Momma D
Momma D
Copyright 2016 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author.
