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My daughter's birthday was last Thursday, and we had a sleepover party for her on Saturday to Sunday. Six 11 year olds horseback riding, pizza and DVD's at home.

3 of the girls had never been here before. I was surprised that not one of their parents asked us about guns in the house, supervision or even told us what ratings of movies they allow their kids to watch. (I don't allow mine to watch PG13 yet, waaaaay to much bad language and sexual innuendo)

Of course, all of the firearms were secured in the safe, except for the one I wear, and it was in a lock box overnight.

I am very proud of my daughter for her selection in friends. I knew 3 of the kids, but not the others. All of these girls were polite, respectful and just a pleasure to be around. There were no fights or arguments between them. I was very proud for these kids.

As a side note, for the other dads here, I made sure that when the girls were upstairs alone I announced myself before going up the stairs, and after pajama and crashing in the sleeping bag time I just let my wife handle everything upstairs.

Any other tips from the other Dads?

Cant beat a perfect score.
Good job sir.
LT

My sister is 14...I find myself in these situations often. If I am visiting her when she has company and need to walk into the back of the house.....I call her and have her walk to the back of the house with me. It is very casual and appears that I only wanted to ask her a quick question.

I have never met a friend of hers that did not have their head screwed on straight......there are a lot of good kiddos out there!

I handle firearms at my house the exact same way....lock em all up except for the one I am in direct control of (in my waistband). My Sister has recently showed some interest in shooting....I am going to take her to the youth program at PSC if our Mother is in agreement.

These kids very respecful and well behaved.....I have known many of them for over 10 years. I am proud to know all of them and their parents.
Jason

Nope...No suggestions...I'm not a dad yet...

Six girls...hmmmmm

And you have such clarity of thought afterwards...I'm not so sure I would have a full head of hair after that kind of weekend...I'd be a vegetable...

You must write a book about it now...

You handled it well!!!

yeah, my ol' lady handles those situations. I typically try to stay out of their "hair," cause, well, I'm very uncool.

anyway, nicely done.

Sounds like you did right I have a 14 year old that was Home schooled until last year. We have only let her sleepover with parents we know and have know for sometime. Mostly they are from our church and agree with the movie selection or at least asking us if its ok.

When they are here, we do not have weapons that are accessible. We do not drink nor use curse words and only allow movies that the other parents would approve. These are the only children we have and only have one shot at this.

Sounds like the girls had a good time.

We always check where our kids are going, what they're doing, and make sure we meet the other kids and their parents, make sure everyone has the same understanding of the game plan.

We ask about supervision, smoking, alcohol, kids of the opposite sex, etc. But one thing I've never asked about is whether they have guns or how they're secured. For one thing, I assume they have guns. For another, I don't want anyone inquiring about my guns or my security setup, and would politely tell them to MYOB. And finally, my kids know the rules about guns, and would be on the phone immediately if there was anything unsafe going on.

Kevin

You did right. I have a 14 Y/O daughter who has friends over all the time. We live in a pretty decent community and don't have to worry about a lot of craziness but different families have different morals so we have told our daughter to just ask if something comes up. And she does. The good thing about the neighbors is that if one of the kids can't do something, they respect that.

As far as letting teenage girls be girls, I am of the same thought. I don't go in my daughters room without knocking loudly and waiting until given the OK, especially when she has friends over. Also, as far as the guns go, they stay in my bedroom and no one goes in to the "sanctuary" unless given permission. Plus, there are no kids in the house without me or the wife being here.

You are simply living proof that if you raise them right, they will do what is expected and will make wise choices. I know they are teens and will do some stupid stuff but for the most part, they will act right.

Good post.