Actress Mary Njoku Sparks Conversation on Parenting: Are Sleepovers Good for Kids

In a post that has electrified social media and ignited widespread debate among parents, celebrities, and child development experts, Nigerian film star and media entrepreneur Mary Njoku has publicly questioned the value of sleepovers for children — prompting a broader discussion about modern parenting practices and youth social experiences.

On her X (formerly Twitter) account, Njoku wrote: “I\'m struggling to see the upside of sleepovers for kids. What are they doing at night that they can\'t do during the day? Maybe I’m just old school, but the downsides feel heavier than the benefits.” The post, which has been widely shared and commented on, highlights the tension many parents feel between traditional values and contemporary child-rearing practices.

Mary Njoku — known for her work in Nigerian cinema and as the CEO of ROK Studios — has one of the most followed voices in African entertainment. When she speaks, people listen. But her recent remarks about sleepovers have taken her influence from the red carpet into living rooms and online parenting groups across the globe.

Her central question — whether sleepovers truly benefit children — has resonated with many parents who struggle with similar concerns about safety, supervision, peer pressure, and the changing norms of social childhood experiences.

Within hours of Njoku’s post, reactions poured in from thousands of followers. The responses ranged from agreement and support to disagreement and criticism. Some parents thanked Njoku for raising a topic many hesitate to voice publicly. Others argued that sleepovers are a valuable part of childhood development.

One parent commented, “Sleepovers helped my kids learn independence and social skills. It’s not about what they do at night — it’s about trust, responsibility, and bonding.” Another wrote, “I totally see where she’s coming from; with social media and anxiety these days, sleepovers can add pressure rather than joy.”

The hashtag #SleepoverDebate began trending on X shortly after Njoku’s remarks, turning a personal opinion into a full-scale online discussion.

At the heart of the debate is a simple question: What, if any, benefits do sleepovers provide for children?

Child development experts say that sleepovers can offer several positive experiences. Spending extended time with peers — especially away from parental supervision — can help children learn how to navigate social boundaries, communicate, and resolve conflicts. For some children, spending a night away from home builds confidence and reduces separation anxiety. Sleepovers are often about shared activities like games, movies, or late-night talks, which foster stronger friendships.

However, experts also acknowledge potential downsides. Sleepovers can sometimes expose children to social pressure, misunderstandings, or feelings of exclusion. For children with anxiety or those who struggle with new environments, overnight stays can be stressful rather than fun.

Njoku’s comment about not understanding “what they are doing at night that they can’t do during the day” touches on a common parental worry: supervision. Many parents fear that without adequate adult supervision, sleepovers could lead to risky behavior or situations where children feel uncomfortable expressing concerns. In some parts of the world — including large urban centers — parents are more cautious due to safety issues, peer influences, and busy lifestyles.

In response to these concerns, psychologists recommend thoughtful preparation and clear communication. Setting expectations, knowing the hosting family, and discussing emergency plans are all ways parents can feel more confident about allowing sleepovers.

Njoku’s reference to being “old school” struck a chord with many who see a generational divide in attitudes toward parenting. What was once a standard part of childhood — spending the night at a friend’s house — has now become a topic of debate rather than assumption.

“In every culture, there are practices and norms that evolve over time,” says child psychologist Dr. Tunde Adetayo. “Today’s parents have more information, more worries, and more ways to connect with their children at any hour of the day or night. That changes how we think about activities like sleepovers.”

For older generations, sleepovers might recall fond memories of camp-style camaraderie and freedom. For many modern parents, however, factors like screen time, mental health awareness, and structured schedules make them think twice.

Across online comment boards and parenting forums, several themes have emerged. Many argue that sleepovers build resilience. Parents of older children say that these experiences prepared their kids for college life. Some see it as a chance for parents to strengthen relationships with each other through shared hosting.

Safety worries remain a common thread among concerned parents. Some believe sleepovers encourage unhealthy habits or peer pressure. Other parents feel that family time and daytime playdates offer all the social interaction children need. One parent shared, “I prefer daytime hangouts because I can stay nearby and know what’s happening. My child still gets social interaction without the uncertainty of overnight supervision.”

Child development specialists suggest that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sleepovers. Instead, they encourage parents to make decisions based on their child’s temperament, maturity, and comfort level. According to parenting expert Dr. Aisha Bello: “Some children thrive in social settings and gain confidence from experiences like sleepovers. Others may feel overwhelmed. What matters most is understanding your child and creating environments where they feel safe, supported, and valued.”

Experts also emphasize that sleepovers aren’t the only way to build valuable life skills. Daytime activities, group classes, family vacations, and shared hobbies can also contribute to a child’s development — sometimes more meaningfully than a night away.

Mary Njoku’s commentary has highlighted how celebrity voices can influence everyday conversations — often bringing mainstream attention to issues that many parents quietly think about but rarely discuss publicly. Her standing in the entertainment industry gives her opinions visibility, but it also means her remarks carry weight beyond her immediate circle. The reaction to her post demonstrates how modern celebrity culture intersects with real-life concerns in families around the world.

Some media outlets have compared this debate to other celebrity-led parenting discussions — such as controversies over screen time, homeschooling, and early childhood education — showing that topics once confined to parenting magazines now reach global audiences.

As the online discussion continues, many hope that the conversation will evolve beyond polarized opinions into something more constructive. “I’m not against sleepovers,” one X user wrote, “but conversations like this help parents think more deeply about why we do what we do and what best serves our children.”

Parenting forums have since begun compiling lists of tips for hosting successful and safe sleepovers, including communicating with the host family in advance, setting clear rules about bedtime activities, encouraging children to express their comfort levels, and establishing check-in times for parents.

Mary Njoku’s simple question — “What are they doing at night that they can\'t do during the day?” — has opened a larger dialogue about childhood, independence, safety, and the values that shape family decisions. While there’s no universal answer to whether sleepovers are good or bad for kids, the debate itself highlights the importance of intentional parenting in a rapidly changing world.

As social media continues to amplify personal opinions and bring them into public view, discussions like this remind us that parenting choices are deeply personal and influenced by cultural values, individual experiences, and evolving social norms. One thing is clear: In the era of online conversation, no parenting topic — not even sleepovers — is too small to spark big debate.