Planning the perfect slumber party. It may be a for a birthday party or just a fun overnight party. Sleeping bags sprawled across the living room floor, pillow fights, pizza and frightening tales told in ghastly fashion by flashlight—what little girl doesn’t love a sleepover? Be sure to read the party idea tips below
Slumber parties are about as American as baseball and apple pie, a time-honored tradition handed down from parent to child with a wistful nod to the past. While the potential for entertainment is off the charts, there are many who believe that the sleepover can be more than just a karaoke-singing, prank-calling, root beer-swilling, secret-spilling fun-fest for the kids. “When I was a little girl,” shares Crissy Griffin of Murrieta, “I just remember feeling this enormous sense of accomplishment when I spent the night at a friend’s house. I felt proud that I was able to be apart from my family—even if I was only just across the street."
Children who take part in well-planned and supervised slumber parties can benefit greatly. Confidence, independence and a growing sense of self-esteem are just some of the many wonderful qualities that can be gained from sleeping over at a friend’s house. Here are some important things to consider before hosting or allowing your child to attend a slumber party.
Planning the Perfect Pajama Party
To make things special, consider a theme for your party. Perhaps it will be a luau with fruity-fresh drinks, flowery leis and tropical music, or maybe an artist’s retreat with tons of crafts that the kids can create and bring home. Whatever you decide, don’t be fooled into thinking that a party like this will take care of itself. The reality is that 12 or more hours with a house full of giggling, what’s-next-on-the-agenda youngsters could be a nightmarish ordeal for the supervising parent. Be prepared with plenty of games, music, movies and food to fill those not-so-quiet hours with some good, old-fashioned constructive fun. Think ahead. When possible, keep the party moving with lively activities like swimming, dancing and neighborhood scavenger hunts earlier in the evening, so that you’re left with a tired crew of kids by the end of the night. Don’t forget—your sleepy brood is going to wake up hungry. Be prepared with a delicious breakfast. The smell of pancakes, warm syrup and hot chocolate is sure to rouse those little night owls.
Slumber Party Safeguards
Give a tour of the house and as you do so, establish rules and limits for your party. Be clear and firm that it’s okay to have fun, but that you draw the line when there is the potential for someone getting hurt. Head-off any problems by inquiring with parents about medications, allergies and potential bedwetting issues before the party. Secure all their contact information and, whatever you do, resist the urge to go to your room and shut the door. The supervising parent needs to be hovering around the action and remain alert at all times. If you are sending your child to the party, call ahead and inquire about the planned activities, supervision and the number of kids who will be present. Ask questions and don’t forget to divulge any private concerns so that they can be dealt with adequately and tactfully.
Easing Homesickness
It is only natural for kids, especially young children, to feel nervous about spending the night away from home– even with the promise of all the fun and games. According to Pediatrics, the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is a very real and very common form of distress that children, adolescents and even adults experience when faced with separation from home and family. Luckily there are some effective strategies for lessening the anxiety a child feels at night when the lights go off.
Giving a child coping strategies to use throughout the night will help build her confidence, encourage her to stay in the moment, take part in all the games and strive not to think of home. Party hosts can do their part by communicating openly with their guests. From the outset, announce a designated check-in time where you will ask all the guests how they feel. Be clear that cutting the night short is an option that children can exercise without judgment or pressure. Does anyone want to call it a night and head home? If so, make the necessary calls and arrange for the parents to swing by and pick up their child.
Is My Child Ready?
How young is too young for a youngster to attend a sleepover? That answer depends greatly on the child’s maturity and independence level. Issues like bedwetting could put a damper on the whole experience, but can be managed with the discreet use of pull-ups and night-waking. If your child vehemently refuses to attend, then it could mean that she is not ready for the separation. Train for the big night with a safe trial run at Grandma’s house that involves some deliberate coping practice. Talk openly about your own sleepover memories, or have a dress rehearsal at home by stretching out sleeping bags in the living room and falling asleep while watching your favorite movies.
‘Tweens and Teens
If you are hosting a group of teens or ‘tweens, consider more mature activities like makeovers, Hollywood dress-up or karaoke concerts. Older teens may even enjoy cooking and baking the evening’s meal. Be aware that this age group is going to require some watchful care from its hostess. Most parents of teens will tell you, the potential for trouble can double when they are unsupervised and without guidance. Set the rules from the start—the party must remain on the property, only invited guests are permitted in the home and mean pranks or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
What About the Boys?
Girls aren’t the only ones who love sleepovers. For any parent willing to brave a rowdy group of boys for an entire night, here are some cool ideas:
- Rent tons of video games.
- Toss around water balloons.
- Set up a tent in the backyard. Have flashlights on hand for a bug hunt.
- Let the boys run wild with super-soakers.
- Set out clay, model plane kits and Legos.
- Start up a game of Wiffle ball in the backyard.
- Roast hot dogs, s’mores and popcorn over a roaring campfire.
- Host a Star Wars-themed party complete with costumes and light sabers.
- Create old-fashioned gaming stations with board games like Battleship and Life.
--------------------
Kerri S. Mabee is a freelance writer and mother of three.
Published: January 2009