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Slumber parties or sleepovers, whatever you prefer to call them have a confused notion attached. For some families they are a complete no and for others is a way to enhance social skills of their child. Everything comes with its own bag of pros and cons and you have to decide what works for you and how! Though if your kids are old enough to differentiate between the right and wrong behaviors and you put in more efforts to stay within an earshot, sleepovers are real fun!
If you believe in the goodness of these once in a while slumber parties but are afraid to send your kid off, arrange one at your home! Though you might be dealing with homesick or overexcited kids, wet sleeping bags, music blaring at 2 in the morning; sleepovers are still not that bad provided you plan it nicely! Don’t step back people, we have a guide for you that might help you arrange for a real fun filled night for your kids and their friends!
Inviting guests for the sleepover
If you are planning it grand for some occasion, do send printed invites with the details mentioned about the drop off and pick up times. Ask for RSVP to prevent any embarrassing moments. If you are arranging a casual sleepover, you can simply call the parents and ask for the required details about their kid’s allergies and fears, etc. Also while you are planning the invites keep in mind that the shorter the guest list is the easier it will be to plan nicely for them.
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Dealing with the other sibling
If you have two or more kids and are not ready to plan a sleepover for all of them (too many guests are hard to look after) plan something for the other siblings as well. They shouldn't feel left out when the sleepover contingent forces them out of their party! Plan an activity for them as well like a movie night with you so that they don’t feel like they are missing out on fun! Also put him in another room, away from the guests at night.
Lay guidelines well in advance
Whether or not your child is hosting a sleepover for the first time, it is good to lay some rules and guidelines for her. How he is expected to treat his guests, what time should the lights be off and how low their volume needs to be after the rest of the house goes to bed. Also encourage your kid to plan activities for the guests that allow more of interaction like board games or outdoor play instead of online games that prove a barrier to conversation!
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Tour around the house
You won’t want any of your guests to startle the entire house by falling in the dark looking for the washroom. It is best that you take your first time guests for a tour of your house. Show them around and make clear lines for them regarding the areas they can play around in and spots where they are not allowed. They should have an idea of the washroom they can use and the adult they need to wake up in case of any emergency. You can even put up night bulbs or small lights to guide their path to the restroom for their safety!
Comfort for the guests
It will be great if you can spare some time and look into the comfort of the guests. Putting up extra towels for the guests in the washroom is a simple idea that will get you much appreciation. Be ready with extra toothbrushes in case your guests forget theirs at home! Also create space in the washroom drawers or put up a little basket for the guest toiletries. If you are planning a sleepover for teen girls, you can set up a mini manicure and pedicure station for them to have some fun!
Snacks for the nervous tummies
In most cases the sleepover starts before dinner time so you gotta be planning treats for the kids that they love. Pizza is a no brainer in this case, most kids just love it and its super easy. They might even want to help you make it, provide them the toppings and let them do the layering. You can even involve them in making desserts like cupcakes or serve ice cream. It is a good idea to keep munching stuff accessible to calm the nervous and homesick ones!
Planning engaging activities
You need to plan some activities in advance to engage the kids and keep their minds off from their home. Though all kids might not want to be involved in all your activities. It does not harm to keep it ready. Don’t force anyone to take part in the games, in case they don’t want to give them their separate play material, books or clay that they can handle alone. If the kids are getting involved in any game easily just encourage them because it will keep them off from thinking of any mischief!
Once you and your kids are ready for their first sleepover, this guide will help you plan the best one! Let them enjoy, let them learn the skills of social behavior and problem solving through this opportunity. Just keep an eye on the kids and stay within earshot to be aware of any information that is important for you.
