Everything you need to know about hosting your kid’s sleepover party.
Do you remember having sleepovers as a child? Do you remember everyone squeezing into a bedroom with their sleeping bags, playing games until midnight, and snacking all evening? While sleepovers are primarily enjoyed by children and teens, they are greatly feared by adults.
If you’re one of those parents who have yet to host their first sleepover party for your child, it can be intimidating, to say the least. To get you started, here’s what you need to know.
Choose the guest list wisely
First, decide if this will be a one-on-one sleepover or a team event. If your child can’t entertain (or handle) several guests for an extended period of time, it’s better to start small. Inviting one to four guests is fitting for a first sleepover. Aim to get an even number to prevent the ‘odd kid out’ effect.
Select the right date
Saturdays are often considered the prime night for sleepovers as young guests may be tired from sporting events earlier in the day. However, you may want to consider Friday nights, too. Challengers will be worn out from a full day of school, and all the children (and yourself) will have Saturday and Sunday to recover.
Prepare the rest of the family
Let the other family members in the household know of the event. Rent special movies for siblings or treat them to their favorite supper as they may start to feel left out. Don’t ask your partner to take them out for the night – you’ll need to have all hands on deck at home.
Gather provisions
We all know that unhealthy snacks are the staple to any sleepover. With that said, there are ways to turn these favorites into somewhat healthy treats. Stock up on fruit, granola, fresh popcorn, veggie sticks, hummus, and pretzels. Avoid making any sloppy joes, hot dogs, or burgers that will cause a mess. For breakfast, have plenty of oats, cereals, and muffins in store.
Establish ground rules
If you’ve got a group, post the house rules on paper in a language kids will understand. Ensure that they know that they can’t leave the house without asking, cannot make prank phone calls, and that they must stay in designated areas or rooms.
Once you feel prepped, the snacks are in, and you’ve done everything you can to ensure the safety of the kids, it’s time to have fun!
Whether your child needs a little help with academic, social, or activity skills, there are plenty of ways to encourage your kid to become more confident. Get your children involved with the Boys and Girls Club that offers ideal camps to them, contact Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. We have many programs that encourage outdoor activities, personal development, and fun!