So, you’ve finally relented and agreed your child can have a slumber
party? This can be a big event in a child’s life and can be one of
their lasting childhood memories. For some guests this will be the
first time sleeping away from home and others will have their bags
unpacked and be ready to party before you can say ‘pyjamas’!To make the most of the occasion, plan a few things in advance. Speak to all the parents involved and make sure you know about any allergies, and not just food ones. (Some beauty products marketed for young girls can really set off young skins). Agree a set time to drop off and pick up and be firm. Maybe agree late afternoon, ready for the children to help with preparing their own pizzas, and just after breakfast. If you feel your child is too young for a sleepover but they really want one, think about a half way option. How about tea, snacks, pyjamas, video etc but a late pick up, say 10pm? Make sure the parents give you an emergency contact number, you never know what might happen and the last thing you need is to find out they can’t hear their mobile at 2am because they switch it off at night! For the children themselves, explain there is no use of the phone, going outside after a set time etc and explain that you expect them to play nicely together. Also, make sure they know it’s lights out at a set time, although they might not sleep and be prepared for plenty of giggling and calling out!
Why not have a theme to the party? Maybe the children can come in superhero costumes, watch superhero DVD’s or play computer games. For girls, the possibilities seem to be endless, with pampering seeming to be popular, but could include High School Musical DVD followed by the ‘sing- a-long’ version. Poor neighbours! One idea I heard about was indoor camping, with a few (small) tents, torches and sleeping bags!
You will probably find that once the ice is broken, the children will be happy making their own entertainment (and isn’t that half the fun?). One game idea that I like is ‘Find the Animal’. Each child brings a teddy/stuffed animal to the party. The toys are all placed in the middle and the children, in turn, are blindfolded. The aim is to find your own teddy just by touch. This game also gives some children the opportunity to bring their teddy to a sleepover without causing too much embarrassment!
Another idea is for the kids to create their own pillowcases. Buy some cheap plain pillowcases and some craft pens and let them create them own masterpieces to sleep on and take home with them. (The pillowcases will need to be ironed to ‘fix’ the inks). You could also write something like ‘Emily’s first sleepover 18 Dec 2008’ across the top as a special reminder. You could also leave a couple of disposable cameras with the kids and who knows what you’ll end up picking up from the developers!
Whatever you plan to do, make sure you all have fun. Pop in and out of the ‘bedroom’ but don’t be too intrusive. Try and stay relaxed and be liberal – remember it is a sleepover, not bootcamp!