Sleepover Parties 英会話・英語　アミック

There are some strong memories which I still have from my childhood.  Some of these memories include riding my bike, playing with action figures, camping, video games and sleepover parties.  I think bikes, toys and video games are pretty usual activities for children around the world, but I’m not sure how popular sleepover parties are.

Sleepovers, also known as pajama parties or slumber parties, were pretty common in the states when I was growing up.  Usually a friend or friends will sleep at another friend’s house.  They will likely eat dinner there as well.  Most friends will bring over a bag with their tooth brush, pajamas, pillow, and of course-favorite toys, video games or comic books.  It was always the most fun when you were supposed to turn off the lights and go to bed, but just talked with your friends for another two or three hours.  The mornings were always difficult.

Most children enjoy sleepovers, but they don’t happen very often.  As a kid, you usually had to consider three things when planning a sleepover; 1) your parents’ mood 2) your friend’s parents’ mood 3) timing- usually on a Friday or Saturday night.  Parents are always reluctant to say “Yes.” at first, because if their child wants to stay at another family’s house, they don’t want to impose.  If your child wants to invite people to stay over, you have to take responsibility for another child or children.  Parents also have to talk over details on the phone.  This makes it a difficult prospect for children from the start.  Lots of children will plan in advance, by doing chores and finishing homework early.  The most common technique children use is to ask one parent- “Can I stay at Jimmy’s house?” and the parent will say “Ask your mother/father.  If they say yes then it’s okay.” Then the child will ask the other parent “Is it okay if I stay at Jimmy’s house? Mom/Dad said it was okay.” Then the second parent will probably say “Yes.”.  Children are always good at adapting language to their needs.

Usually sleepovers are filled with games, chatting, pillow fights, and snacks and sweets.  They aren’t always smooth though.  Sometimes children who aren’t used to staying away from their own home wake up and the middle of the night and want to go back to their house, which makes it hard on both parents and the host friend.  Friends also sometimes get into fights with each, but it is usually a good experience all-around.

Did you grow up with sleepovers?  If so, are they different from the sleepovers I wrote about?  If you are a parent or grandparent, do your children or grandchildren have sleepovers?  One of my favorite movies is “Sandlot”.  It’s a story about baseball loving boys growing up in the late 50’s or early 60’s.  They have a great sleepover scene which takes place in one of the boys’ tree house.  If you have the chance and you’re interested, please check it out.  You might get a glimpse of the magic of sleepovers.

Shane