Another woman’s child

I avoid sleepovers the best I can during the school term. To me they are a nightmare. But if my boys sleep over at a classmate’s house I have to reciprocate.

When my husband is home, he is up and down all night telling the boys to settle down and be quiet. Unfortunately they are of the age that endurance is tested on all levels and not sleeping all night is deemed rather cool and grown up. And at a sleepover is a perfect opportunity to prove just how cool and grown up they are.

Being deaf I am not bothered whether they talk, sing or play loud music to stay awake. My problem is an overwhelming anxiety if my husband isn’t there for some reason. As I lie in bed, I worry if they start fighting, maybe throwing things at each other, or jumping on the beds and one of them falling awkwardly, then panicking and me not hearing their cries for help.

What if they get hungry and while cutting a bagel for toasting and cut a finger, what if…… something happens to the other woman’s child and I didn’t react and no-one will ever let their kids visit my kids for a sleepover again?

You’ve probably guessed, I have a sleepover coming up – yikes!