Slumber Parties for 30 Year Olds
I spent Friday night with 30 teenage girls at an overnight retreat through a local church. My husband laughed when I said I was going to a slumber party, but then he realized I was serious when I packed a sleeping bag and pillow.
I’m not entirely sure what drug I was on last fall when I volunteered to facilitate this retreat, but it must have been a good one. I work with teenagers everyday, so I feel like I am somewhat connected to their world. I watch many of the same TV shows, listen to their music and try to stay in touch with what’s hot and what’s not. I was not at all prepared for what was in store.
Girls are complicated. And they are loud. VERY loud. I thought a 5 year old boy was loud, but I had never spent the night with 30 teenage girls.
Most of our discussions and activities were centered around what it meant to be a “real” woman. We talked a lot about the culture, media, respecting ourselves and others, body image, etc…. And then they taught me a lot about their world. I am seriously concerned about what type of injuries their fingers will have in a few years. The texting was out of control! If you have something to say then just call the person. Otherwise it’s not that important.
I was blindsided by a few of their comments. One young girl didn’t see the problem with parents getting their daughter plastic surgery for her high school graduation.
“If it makes her feel better about herself, who cares.”
My point of view was what kind of message that was sending their daughter? She’s not good enough the way she is?
“They must love her enough to tell her she needs to fix something.”
That exchange right there is the whole reason I agreed to do this retreat. It was a great learning experience. There are some things I’ll change the next time around:
*No Mountain Dew after midnight.
*When they enter they’ll be leaving their phones in a box.
*I’ll bring some ear plugs.
My name is Emily. I’m 30 years old. I have often been told that I ask a lot of questions, but I think I have more to say than ask.
I think my head would have exploded.
next time you go to a slumber party you can bring vegan cupcakes!
congratulatoins fenicle, you won my divvies cupcake valentine’s giveaway
send me your mailing address please
mod*mom
modmommy At gmail.com
Although loud, it does sound like you had a good time. I made the mistake one time of letting my daughter invite 16 friends over for her birthday party. About 12 of them stayed for a ’slumber party’. Omg, I did not sleep much that night.
Oh and yes, I did learn not to do that again!
Oh you brave, brave woman!
God love you, friend, for real. So glad for people like you stepping up.
I find it rather sad that so many today feel they need to ‘improve’ their appearance through surgery. I also usually prefer the ‘before’ look. Unless something is actually not ‘correct’ like a disfigurement or damaged limb, leave it alone. We once had 8 teens living here for a 2 month period(2 bedroom place with lottsa cots and compromises), you’re a brave person to attempt and succed with 30 at one gulp!!
WOW, you are brave. I spent 7 years living with hundreds of college freshmen–loud and eye opening were definitely two words I used often.
What a great thing to do, sounds very eye opening! You are much braver than I.
Oh, I feel for you! I had a slumber party at my house for my niece this year (her 13th birthday). I don’t remember being that LOUD when I was a teenager, do you? I’m with you on the texting thing. How on earth do they do it so fast and still have a conversation with the person sitting next to them?! It kinda makes me glad I only have little boys!
oh. My! *&$&$(%*%*%(%*%*************.
how in the world could you ever handle this. what a rough night.