This past Friday night was a fun evening. I performed my children’s magic show at a kid’s sleepover party. It goes without saying, it was a fun party and got me to thinking about the sleepover parties that I had when I was a kid.
Do you remember going to a sleepover? Well, for me they were fun.
Just ask a group of kids, “What is one thing you would like to do?” I’ll bet someone in the group will say, “Let’s have a sleepover party!”
And it isn’t just girls anymore, although they love it the most. All kids love sleepovers parties.
Just the guys having a little fun!
Before you say, “Yes” and agree to hosting the sleepover, here are a few tips for you to consider. First: Murphy’s Law will kick in. Things will happen. Second: The comfort of your home will turn into an adventurous campground.
I know what you are thinking. What can go wrong? The kids are all under one roof where you can watch them while they have fun. We all want to be caring parents, and yes we will more than likely give into to the loving pressure. I hope these sleepover tips will help make the night a success.
We all know that to have any successful event, one must have good planning. As soon as you agree, sit down with your child to make plans. Discuss and decide on the date, the theme, whom to invite, and some of the fun activities. Planning is very important.
The Right Time – Pick a weekend night. Most slumber parties take place on a Friday or Saturday. The kids and parents have the opportunity the next day to sleep late. Holidays work as well.
Who to Invite – Email or snail mail invitations to the kids and their parents. Announce the sleep over party, theme and drop off and pick-up time. Since the kids are spending the night, they will need pajamas and clothes for the next day. Don’t forget the toothbrush, comb, hairbrush, sleeping bag, hygiene products, and necessary medicine. Be sure to ask them to include information about food allergies. Insist on emergency contact information.
Zoning – Confine the party to specific areas of your home. You do not want to destroy the entire house, especially if other household members are not involved. Encourage the party guests to have their fun in designated places. Your child’s bedroom, the family room or the den will probably be the unique rooms of fun activities. The kitchen should be open to all.
Restrictions – Control televisions and computers. Kids will be kids, especially when they are teenagers. Limit the temptation to do something naughty by restricting specific channels on TV. Use the manufacture’s lock controls on those sites on the computers.
Party Theme – A theme makes the party that much more entertaining. Favorite themes for boys: pirates, cowboys, presidents, and heroes. Girl’s favorites: fairy tales, fashion, and princesses. Let your kid be creative and come up with something that they like. Keep it fun and simple.
House Rules – Set the ground rules. This is for safety. Rules should include “No cooking after certain hours” and “No leaving the house after the parents have gone to bed.” Impress on your child the importance of good behavior.
Sleepovers can be a lot of fun. As a parent, make sure that the kids are safe so that they can just enjoy the night. Be ready the next morning for a big breakfast because everyone will surely have a hearty appetite.
Don’t forget to call me about entertaining at your next party.
