Full disclosure before a sleepover

DEAR AMY: I have a "modern family" etiquette question for you. I'm a divorced mother of two, and I'm in a committed same-sex relationship. My partner does not live with us, but she is always with us on the weekends. My kids are getting to an age where they want to have friends sleep over. Some friends' parents know my partner, but others probably have no idea that I'm gay. With parents who know my partner, I'd have no problem making sure they don't mind that she sleeps over when their kids are also there, but I don't know what I should say to parents I don't know as well. Should I "come out" to parents when the invitation is issued to be sure they are OK with my partner being there? Should I not allow sleepovers if my partner is there and the other parents don't know about her? I don't want to hide my relationship, but I also want to be respectful of what parents are ready to discuss with their kids.

-- A Mom

DEAR MOM: This is not an etiquette question (or even a "modern family" question). It's a parenting question.

Think of this as a mom. Don't you want to know about all adults in a household before you send your child into the household for an overnight? (Hint: yes, you absolutely do.)

If you were a divorced mom in a relationship with a man, you would be expected to disclose this to other parents -- if the man was spending the night during a child's sleepover.

Some parents do not feel comfortable sending their child for an overnight where two unmarried people are sleeping together, regardless of their sexuality.

In your case, you say, "My partner 'Helen' spends the weekends with us. She's virtually a member of the family. She'll be here, and I want to make sure you're OK with it and get the chance to meet her." It might be best to offer a general introduction to parents during a non-overnight function such as a birthday party or barbecue at your house.

If this amounts to a "coming out" for you, then so be it.