PROBLEM: I’m a single parent of an 8-year-old boy. After a long time out of the dating scene (four years since my divorce), I’ve started seeing someone again. We’ve been dating for six months, and the question now arises — sleepovers, or no?

KB: At the risk of sounding like a total stick in the mud, I’m going to go ahead and say, definitively: I don’t believe in sleepovers when your kid is around. If he’s at grandma’s house, or at a slumber party, enjoy. But your kid doesn’t need to be having breakfast with some random lady or dude you’ve been dating for a few months. If you have plans to move in together, that’s a different story. Until that happens, you can make like a teenager and sneak home at 3 am.

LG: I’m going to have to agree. Unless this dating turns into serious commitment (in whatever form it takes), sleepovers at this stage have the potential for confusion and heartbreak for your kid is just too real. But I also agree this doesn’t mean a single mom or dad can’t get their business on. You either have to sneak home early, like KB suggests, or get creative. I hear the Royal Opera House has reopened. Get a box and time it for the overture, not the aria.

MM: KB & LG got it covered — it seems too soon for sleepovers with your son around at this point. You can either sneak into the house or invent some very official out-of-town work and entreat a friend or family member to babysit while you get your quality time.

RT: The Swaddle Team stands unanimous! No sleepovers for a single parent before serious commitment. The only heartbreak your kid needs is saying no to the next expensive item they desire. However, you could stick them to a loving sibling for the night, while you stick it in with your boo thang til morning. Enjoy, and happy parenting!