Anonymous wrote:My college aged son still keeps his ratty old stuffed animal in his dorm room (doesn't sleep with still of course, according to him it normally stays in his dresser) and a couple guy friends found it a while back. All that came from it was a little light-hearted teasing, but no major drama. I think most kids of any age understand sentimentality.

If he wants to take it let him, same if he doesn't. Most likely your DS will know how his friends will react better then you will no matter how well you know him.

Big diffrence between you college age son keeping a toy from his childhood in his dorm room and and 9 year old that has it cuddled next to him when he sleeps. Little kids are still trying to "stop being such babies" and things like a stuffed animal may be met with teasing.

However OP your son will be the best judge of whether or not he will be "safe" bringing it. I assume he has been to the other kids house before, been in his room. If the other kid still has a stuffed animal on his bed then it's probably safe

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

My college aged son still keeps his ratty old stuffed animal in his dorm room (doesn't sleep with still of course, according to him it normally stays in his dresser) and a couple guy friends found it a while back. All that came from it was a little light-hearted teasing, but no major drama. I think most kids of any age understand sentimentality.

If he wants to take it let him, same if he doesn't. Most likely your DS will know how his friends will react better then you will no matter how well you know him.

Please, do not let him bring a stuffed animal. My DS is 9 too, and they've all had sleepovers this year. If any kid had brought a stuffed animal, they would have never lived it down at school. Doesn't mean it's right, but it will happen. 9 is old enough to start dropping the favorite blanket or stuffed animal outside the house. 3rd grade boys can be particularly mean.

No stuffed animals

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A bit of a tough call. Ask if he thinks his friends will care. Let him decide. But my suggestion would be to go without. Yes, its a big step but he's probably old enough to take it.

Why? What's the plus side of not taking it? I don't get this debate at all. Ask your child what he wants to take OP

Avoiding humiliation when Liam decides that the lovey owner should be made a laughing stock at school.

OP, my almost 9 yo ds has had a few sleepovers with a neighborhood friend. The last time he went I asked him if he was taking his (stuffed) dog and he said no. He clearly has gotten the message that the lovey is not for public display because it otherwise is always with him at night. It's a delicate subject and I'm glad I didn't have to suggest he not bring it.

This. Kids can be mean. It doesn't mean its right but depending on the peer group, it could be a horrible experience. Talk to your son, he might be okay with leaving it at home.

I say whatevs and leave it up to your son. My kid would bring his and not think twice about it - just something he uses for bedtime like a toothbrush or a pillow. He is 9. I like the "leave it in the bag but bring with" posters.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A bit of a tough call. Ask if he thinks his friends will care. Let him decide. But my suggestion would be to go without. Yes, its a big step but he's probably old enough to take it.

Why? What's the plus side of not taking it? I don't get this debate at all. Ask your child what he wants to take OP

Avoiding humiliation when Liam decides that the lovey owner should be made a laughing stock at school.

OP, my almost 9 yo ds has had a few sleepovers with a neighborhood friend. The last time he went I asked him if he was taking his (stuffed) dog and he said no. He clearly has gotten the message that the lovey is not for public display because it otherwise is always with him at night. It's a delicate subject and I'm glad I didn't have to suggest he not bring it.

Anonymous wrote:A bit of a tough call. Ask if he thinks his friends will care. Let him decide. But my suggestion would be to go without. Yes, its a big step but he's probably old enough to take it.

Why? What's the plus side of not taking it? I don't get this debate at all. Ask your child what he wants to take OP

Anonymous wrote:He can bring it in his bag. Leave it in there if everyone else isn't using one.

+1 My DS is turning 9 soon, and he still has a special stuffed animal he sleeps with. I think he's taken it to sleepovers, too.

A bit of a tough call. Ask if he thinks his friends will care. Let him decide. But my suggestion would be to go without. Yes, its a big step but he's probably old enough to take it.

Your DH sounds EXACTLY like mine, OP! He had the same concern with our 9 YO DS. In the end, he ended up taking the bear and at least one other child had one too. It didn't seem to be a big deal either way. He did keep it tucked away in his sleeping bag until they were ready to go to sleep, so it wasn't out and obvious for the entire party.

It's just like the book Ira Sleeps Over. Read the book. Honestly I don't think anyone cares as long as he doesn't talk about it excessively.

He can bring it in his bag. Leave it in there if everyone else isn't using one.

DS was invited to his first sleep over party. He's slept over a particular friend's house before (not a group of kids), and he and that friend each sleep with a "lovey" stuffed animal. DH thinks our son should not bring his stuffed animal to the sleep over party because the other boys will laugh at him and/or roughhouse with the stuffed animal (it is old and worn). I think DH is being silly but I was never a 9 year old boy. Any advice?