Hey Mom and Dad, When Are Kids Ready for Overnight Stays Away From Home?

Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature when we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

It's that time of the year when summer camp plans are in the works for many families, and parents are deciding whether their kids are ready for overnights. Whether it be sleepovers with friends or sleep-away camps, it can be tough to know when your kids are ready for a night away from home. That brings us to this week's question:

When can you start sending your children on overnights away from home? How do you know when kids are ready?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

William ZeroHate Gill: Id say sleepovers when there atleast 6 or 7 any younger you run the risk of them being uncomfortable being away from home and having a fit. — Batavia Patch Facebook

Debra Anne Bartolomucci: When they ask to. — Elmhurst Patch Facebook

Paula Krapf: I think it depends on the kid; I know kids who have attended 3 week overnight camps starting at age 8 with no problem. Some need more time. Our daughter was 11 and that was the right time for her. She asked if she could go so we knew she was ready. — Geneva Patch Facebook

Julie Farrell: One or two nights away is ok in like 1st grade, though mostly just with family or friends who live close. I first went to camp when I was about 10 and that was for a week. My girls have never been away longer than 3 days unless it was with family, but they go camping with Girl Scouts for the weekend at least once a year and have since they were like 8 or so. — Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook

Christina Russell Alderman: I was 9 or 10, but I think it depends on the child. A strong independent nature and desire to explore can be seen at a pretty early age. I'm all for letting my daughter go when she's around that age (if she even asks!) Btw, she's only 3 1/2 so we've got some time. And hey, i might even change my mind by then! — St. Charles Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.