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.

Colleen Cantin Triana: I have no plans to ever send my kids to overnight camp. —on Frankfort Patch Facebook

Susan Herlihy Vlasaty: Middle school —on Tinley Park Patch Facebook

Lora Korgis: 5th grade —on Tinley Park Patch Facebook

Kate McGunn-killelea: All depends on the kid. My 8 year old is NOT ready the 5 year old could have gone last year. —on Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch Facebook

Tom McEnery: When they turn 18 and only with family members. —on Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch Facebook

Wendy Pickert Mark: As so as they are emotionally ready! My 7 yr old is going overnight for 3 nights this summer but my son would not have been ready at that age. —on Orland Park Patch Facebook

Christina Petrusek: my son went at the summer of third grade to a week overnight camp it was local though mokena —on Oak Forest Patch Facebook

Maryanne Zeug: junior high sixth seventh or eight grade —on Oak Forest Patch Facebook

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