Although slumber parties are fun for kids, as a parent, the idea of your home being invaded by half dozen tweens for a night may sound stressful. Managing your own children takes a lot, so how exactly do you maintain control when there is a group of kids? Will you get a wink of sleep? Following these 6 rules for surviving a slumber party will help save your sanity and may even make the event fun for you too.
1. Meet the Parents
Though it may seem obvious, it’s still worth repeating, meet the parents of the kids that are staying the night at your home. They may have questions for you or need to give you special instructions, like “Timmy is allergic to nuts. Here’s his Epi-pen.” or “Mary needs a light on when she sleeps.” Also, you can collect their contact information and vice versa.
2. Make Prep and Cleanup Easy
Make the evening easy on yourself by having kids bring a pillow and sleeping bag so you’re not using your own linens that will need to be washed after they leave. If they have special dietary needs, encourage them to bring their own food. Before they leave, have them put back together the room(s) they rearranged for playing and ask them to pick up their trash.
3. Set Rules at the Very Start
Even with well-behaved kids, it's smart to set some ground rules before the evening gets started. For example, tell them that they can’t go outside of the house (even to the backyard or driveway) without asking for permission first or without supervision. Also, let them know where they can eat. It’s okay to say there’s no eating outside the kitchen. So, they all know that everyone is getting the same rules, do this once all the kids have arrived and early in the evening so they can abide by them as soon as possible.
4. Have Activities Planned
Remember this party is for the kids to have fun so include them in the preparations. Listen to their suggestions regarding activities, food, drinks, and movies. If some of their choices are inappropriate, you can always tell them so, however, remember to balance their desires with yours.
5. Set a Bedtime
Feel free to let them enjoy a late night, but don't be afraid to set a bedtime. Depending on the age of the group, it’s perfectly reasonable to set an 11pm bedtime. Typically, that’s still well past their typical bedtime, so it’s still a treat to them. If they are particularly rambunctious, don't be afraid to threating to renege on the time for an earlier one.
6. Take a Break and Check Out
Kids need supervision but you can also let them enjoy the sleepover without you hovering around. Stay close but not in the same room. Just check in from time to time to make sure things are fine but they typically don’t need you right there with them.
As the night advances, they may play board games, video games or watch a movie and may need less supervision. Keep in mind that you shouldn't plan to be all that productive while hosting a slumber party but it could be a good time to get some bills paid or organize the pantry. If you're finding yourself super stressed and the kids are getting on your last nerve, go to another room and remember that they'll all be gone the next day.
A slumber party is a fun way for kids to enjoy each other outside of school and extra-curricular activities, but it's up to you to make sure the evening is safe and sane. Follow these 6 rules for surviving a slumber party and the kids will have a blast while you will keep your wits about you. Erika Long loves corgis, curry and comedy. Always searching for the next great snuggle, flavor or laugh, she inspires people to live their best life now. When not writing, Erika can be found at her local brewery dominating Harry Potter trivia night.
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