Kaitlin’s birthday is next week and she has announced that she’d like to have a sleepover party. What can you do to help make this a successful party for Kaitlin, her guests and you, her parents?
Keep the guest list short. For kids at age six or seven, four guests is usually a good number and no more than six friends for kids eight and older.
Generally, it’s best to have an even number of kids so that you don’t find one left out when they pair up for an activity. But that also depends on the group and how well they know each other.
If the kids have a set group of close friends who all know each other the guest list is easy. But, if they are friends of your child but not each other think about whether they will be a good mix. And if you know that one child is new to the group, talk to your child about how to make her feel comfortable with the other kids. What do they have in common? Will all the kids feel comfortable with any planned activities?
Parties and junk food just go together. While some treats are part of the fun, if you want kids to sleep well, without tummy aches, a healthy menu is a good idea. Favorites like pizza, pasta or peanut butter and jelly are liked by kids. Of course, you will also want cake and ice cream.
If the kids are going to be watching movies check them out. Horror films usually mean you will be up all night dealing with children’s nightmares. Besides watching movies, have some games and activities ready for the kids. They are likely to either get homesick or out of control if there’s nothing to do.
Talk to the parents of all the kids. Find out what sorts of movies the kids like and what frightens them. It’s also a good time to discuss food preferences and allergies.
You can discover if the guest has experience sleeping away from home and if there are any bedwetting issues.
Have the kids bring their own pillow.
Fun party treats might include new toothbrushes and hair decorations for girls. T-shirts the kids can decorate and/or sleep in work well for both boys and girls.
If the weather is fair, get the kids outside. Nothing like a good run around in the fresh air to encourage sleep. A nice gift could be a Frisbee or a ball.
Check to see if the parents are planning to be at home or elsewhere. If they have a cellphone that’s probably the best bet. That way if a child is taken with serious homesickness or an illness you can easily reach their parent.
Be prepared for the kids to be up giggling past their bedtime. Let’s face it, a good night’s sleep is not the point of a sleepover for the kids.
Also know that you may be up with at least one child who needs your attention during the night. Before they settle make sure they know that if they need help during the night they can always call on you.
Night lights can ensure the path to the bathroom is easy to negotiate.
In the morning plan on an easy breakfast and you might want to serve it buffet style. Some cut-up fruit, muffins or croissants with peanut butter and jelly with juice or smoothies make life easy.
When you invite the kids make sure that you include a pick-up time and when you’re talking to the parents ensure that they are aware of what time they should collect their children.
During the event, be available but let the kids make their own fun.
Kathy Lynn is the author of Vive la Différence, Who’s In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I’d Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
