Nearly two years ago I wrote a blog that surprised me as it resulted in the largest response I had ever had. The topic? Should teens that are dating be allowed to sleep at each other’s house and have a boyfriend/girlfriend sleepover? This blog resulted in almost 150 comments, from parents and teens alike!
I honestly can say I did not expect such a huge response. But I was so happy to touch upon a subject that clearly needed to be talked about. I sure hope I helped some parents and teens with this difficult conversation. Given the high level of interest in this, I thought it was worthy of sharing with Briefly Speaking readers. Below is my original post and a Top 10 list from the interesting feedback I received from teens and parents.
Original post from March 2014
Is it okay for boyfriend/girlfriend to sleep over at each other’s house?
My daughter recently went over to her boyfriend’s house last Saturday night to hang out like she has done in the past. I fell asleep and realized she wasn’t home and it was past her curfew. I looked on my phone and found messages from her saying she is sleeping over at her girlfriend’s house. I am a bit upset over the fact she didn’t ask permission and I know she is lying!
I asked her why she didn’t ask me prior to now and she said she fell asleep. More lies. I decided I would let her stay over her “girlfriend’s” house knowing very well she is probably at her boyfriend’s. I knew arguing at this time of night wasn’t going to get me anywhere so I said we would talk about this in the morning when she comes home.
Next morning comes around and like I suspected she stayed at her boyfriend’s house! I was extremely upset because we had this discussion before and I am totally against it, as is her father. She tells me that she doesn’t understand what the big deal is? “Lots of parents let their kids stay at their boyfriend’s house.”
I said, “Well, it’s not okay with this parent.” She said my reasoning did not help her understand why it was wrong or inappropriate because she found nothing wrong with it. They weren’t doing anything and they are 17.
How do I talk to a teen rationally about this? I am spitting nails and fuming. My daughter would not let go of the fact that there is nothing wrong with the sleepover and that it’s not wrong.
So, I am asking... Am I wrong? Do you allow your teen to sleep over at their boyfriend/girlfriend’s homes? Have times changed THAT much? I need someone to please help me understand this or at least help me make my daughter understand.
I did explain to her that sometimes in life, just because we don’t think it’s not inappropriate or wrong, doesn’t mean it isn’t. There isn’t always a logical reason.
That same day my husband called my daughter’s boyfriend’s dad and told him that she was not allowed to sleep over and unless he hears it from us, don’t believe it is okay with us.
I mean, really? These teens nowadays have found a way to basically make everything a battle. Sleepover with boyfriends? Yay or Nay?
Top 10 things I learned after reading feedback on my original post
1. Talk with your child not to your child.
Sometimes simple conversations can go a long way with building a relationship with your teen.
2. Listen to your child.
You may not agree with what they say but give them a chance to talk to you if you want the same courtesy back.
3. Be realistic.
Teens of today are not the same from when we were teens so because you did not do it does not mean they should not. Don’t have expectations that your teen may not live up to.
4. Do not judge.
You are not a bad person and you will not be punished if you allow your son or daughter to sleep over at their boyfriend/girlfriend’s house.
5. They are not sleeping over at their boyfriend/girlfriend’s house for sex.
They can have sex anytime. They just want to be able to relax the way they cannot at home.
6. Teens need to respect and trust parents first!
Parents want what is best for their teen and that may be not letting them “play house” at 17 or 18. So, until you are an adult and get your own place, parent’s house…parents rules.
7. Communicate and compromise.
Maybe you can compromise with your teen so they do not have to lie and go behind your back. Better to know where your teen is and that they are safe than not.
8. Do not try to control your teen.
Teens hate to feel controlled. They just want to be able to have some freedom.
9. Trust your teen.
If you have taught them about right from wrong and good from bad, then trust that your teen will make smart choices and will be honest with you on not about just sleeping over at their boyfriend/girlfriend’s house, but on bigger issues.
10. Teach your kids values and respect.
That is more important than controlling them or allowing them to sleep over.
Guest post by Raquel Alderman, Raising Teens Blog
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