When a mom agreed to host her son’s sleepover, she imagined a scene filled with sleeping bags, laughter, and kids staying up late. Instead, she found herself surrounded by six children who seemed more focused on their screens than on each other.
In a world where technology reigns, half of the kids arrived with devices like iPads and Nintendo Switches. This unexpected reality shocked the mom, who realized that the traditional slumber party had changed dramatically by 2025.
"They are not playing together," she noted, observing that each child was absorbed in their own activity while trying to convince others to join them. One child was so engrossed in his game that she had to check on him multiple times to ensure he was still breathing.
Feeling overwhelmed, the mom turned to Reddit for support, asking if this was the new normal for sleepovers. She expressed her disappointment, saying, "What is this? This is NOT what I expected to happen."
Many parents chimed in with advice. One suggested implementing a no-device rule for future gatherings, noting that kids often enjoy activities like fort building and flashlight tag when screens are off. Another parent humorously recommended organizing an outdoor movie night or even pulling out a classic board game like Monopoly to encourage interaction.
Some commenters empathized with her situation, suggesting that other parents might have thought they were helping by allowing their kids to bring devices.
Reflecting on her experience, the mom vowed not to repeat the same mistake. She urged other parents to think twice before allowing devices at sleepovers, saying, "Hey parents, don’t do this to other people. It sucks."
As technology continues to shape children’s playtime, this mom’s story highlights the challenges many parents face in balancing screen time with meaningful social interactions.
