'Sleepunders': The New Trend Replacing Traditional Sleepovers

Driven by safety concerns, parents are opting for 'lateovers', picking up their children before bedtime at sleepovers.

A new trend called 'sleepunders' or 'lateovers' is emerging among parents in the U.S., where children are picked up from sleepovers before it's time to go to sleep.
This practice is seen as beneficial for younger children or those who have separation anxiety or are sensitive to sleep or transition issues.
Parents' concerns about potential dangers at other people's homes, such as the presence of guns or the risk of sexual abuse, are driving this trend.
The impact of 'sleepunders' on children can be positive or negative, depending on the individual child. Some may prefer to sleep in their own beds, while others may feel embarrassed about not being allowed to spend the night.
Experts suggest that 'sleepunders' could serve as a trial run for real sleepovers, with parents initially allowing their children to sleep over at the homes of people they know well and trust.