Hosting a sleepover is both exciting and terrifying. You want the kids to have a good time, but you don’t want to go crazy either. Try some of these tips for a successful night.
Start on the right foot
There are a few things you should do before the party starts to ensure it’s success. First, make sure you have spoken to all of the parents and invited their children. It’s a good idea to check for allergies at this time as well. Also, let them know what you plan to do to ensure they are okay with it. For example, let them know what movie you are going to watch or what games you are going to play. That’s just common courtesy.
A good movie
To be honest, what sleepover hasn’t involved a movie? This one involves little effort but picking up a copy of a new release can be a real winner.
Play games
Board games are played out, and video games can only have so many players. Get creative and try games that get everyone involved. A game that everyone will like is Minute to Win it. You can go online and find all sorts of mini Minute to Win it games for the age group you are hosting.
Get crafty
Boys and girls alike enjoy making things. You can do something as simple or as complicated as you can handle.
Eat
Of course you can order pizza and everyone will love it. But, if you want to do something even more fun, let everyone make their own food! Personal pizzas or even custom deserts are easy but add an aspect to the overall entertainment.
Avoid fights
It happens, someone doesn’t get what they want and now nobody is getting along. Don’t let a little squabble ruin a fun night. Try to remove the source of the disquiet if possible or switch modes to another activity you planned to try and alleviate some of the tension by getting them excited about something else.
Eat sugar early
Don’t wait until right before bed to eat whatever sweets you offer, otherwise you’re just asking for trouble.
Equal the sleeping field
Of course you don’t have a bed for every child, so don’t put yourself in a situation where kids have to fight it out over who gets the bed. Instead, make sure everyone has a sleeping bag or a pallet of blankets to sleep on the floor with.
Be prepared
Chances are good someone will forget something. It doesn’t hurt to pick up a few cheap toothbrushes and other toiletries in the event someone forgot to pack theirs.
Be precise in pick up times
You want to be the cool parent who is unbothered by anything, but don’t be tempted to let parents pick up their child whenever they are ready. Choose a time that everyone should be picked up by and tell their parent that.
Have a theme
If you want to go all out, you can do a themed sleepover. For example, you could have a tea party theme where they watch Alice in Wonderland and have tea with sandwiches for a snack. If the children want to dress up, even better!
Don’t overdo it
Only do what you’re comfortable with doing. Especially if this is your first time hosting a sleepover, keep the guest list short and don’t try something new if you aren’t entirely sure you can pull it off. Also, don’t feel the need to overexert yourself. A stressed out parent is no fun for anyone, regardless of how many games you play.
