Sleep- overs, slumber parties, pajama nights, overnighters, so many names for such a colossal event in a child’s life. Remember when you hosted yours? Remember when you were invited but your friend was not? Remember when you were the one left home?
Such drama goes on amidst all the fun with slumber parties. Nowadays, I have a front row seat to witness my daughter and her friends share this both joyful and stressful rite of passage. I am able to view who is the emerging prima donna, who will remain the shy quiet one (even they do not remain quiet at parties), the thinker, the leader, the followers, the daredevil, etc. This has been most helpful in providing advice on situations that arise in a preteen’s life- I am better able to offer insight based on personal observance and that has proved most helpful in derailing “stressful situations”.
Do’s I have implemented
Meet all the parents prior to the party. Discuss expectations and exchange emergency contact information.
Send out poems or invites stating what will be the theme and what will be the activities at the party. I include the start and end times of the party- to which I do adhere. Also, include the main menu, allowing the parents to contact you should their child have any allergies.
Make a master list of for all the activities, assuring that all necessary items are purchased or obtained beforehand. I have learned that it is best to have three extras on hand of any craft related items in case of beyond- repair -ruin. (Young girls have fragile hearts.)
Have a plan of events and stick to it as closely as possible. Let the children enjoy being outside as much as possible. (This makes it easy on the adults if the children are able to become physically exhausted.)
Arrange one room as the sleep room, yes, living rooms work. Set up air mattresses or even blankets and sheets on the floor. (Children will assist in the clean up of the sleep area.)
Arrange another as the changing room. (Dress up is always huge at my daughter’s parties.)
Assign each child a certain area or corner in the changing room for her personal belongings. Do a final walk- through prior to the end of the party, ensuring that all belongings are where and with whom they are supposed to be.
Engage the children in as many of the activities as possible. Serve a dinner and dessert they can help create.
Let the birthday girl or host have a camera (disposables work the best) for pictures to be made of what they want not just what we want (and get double prints, sharing them with the other children in the thank you cards).
Maintain control and have no favorites during the party. Your rules are to be followed by all.
Do not’s I have learned through the years
Do not let party times run over. Adhere to the start and end times.
Do not let the children eat only junk food. They enjoy making healthy snacks, just be creative.
Do not serve soda after dark- only water or juice. Cocoa if the weather calls for it.
Do not let the children gang up on one particular child or omit one particular child due to an argument. Be on hand to mend hurt feelings, but far enough away to let them first try to mend hurts and misunderstandings themselves.
Do not say there is no bedtime. When it is time for lights out, expect giggling and whispering, but sleep will come.
Do not prevent them from aiding with the clean up. They can pick up and put away.
Do not spend a fortune or stress yourself out planning the perfect party. It is a party and it is meant to be fun. Children can always have fun when playing together. Do not fret the small stuff or the big stuff.
Overall, I love allowing my daughter host sleepovers. It has been nothing short of a hoot every time, even when exhaustion has taken over. We have fun, we have grown closer, and her friend’s parents get a break. Watching children grow is reward enough. We now have more than just birthday parties. We host slumber parties before Christmas (kids make gifts for their parents), before Mother’s and Father’s Day (presents are crafted) and just because (crafts for themselves).
She is creating memories- I will rest later-when she has children.
