Say goodbye to slumber parties

Truth or dare, Ouiji boards and the occasional horror movie are all part of what makes childhood sleepovers memorable.

But many moms today are saying no more sleepovers for their youngsters. They say there’s just too much inappropriate behavior at slumber parties, and there’s too much risk of equally inappropriate acts by adult hosts who have access to your children all night.

I agree that in today’s world, sending your kids to another home to spend the night may not be prudent. But what I don’t understand is that many LDS moms have told me that “the church” is now discouraging sleepovers.

I have looked but found almost no evidence to support the theory that LDS church leaders have axed sleepovers. The closest thing I’ve found is a friend who said her stake president (a local church leader) encouraged LDS moms to hold “late night” parties instead of overnight festivities.

Perhaps the “sleepover ban” will be one of those myths that spreads like wildfire, even though no on can tell you why or where it started.

While I’m not ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet, I do think there are some legitimate concerns about sleepovers. And although I went to many a sleepover as a kid, I don’t plan to send my daughter overnight to anyone’s home except for those of family members.

What do you think: Are slumber parties just harmless fun, or is it best to avoid them? What are the slumber party rules in your family?

And, if you do have specific counsel from church leaders or others on this subject, please share!