Attention Parents: 5 Ways to Up Your Slumber Party Game

So you’re the brave mom or dad hosting a sleepover? No need to fear the tiny tots infiltrating your home! Our tricks will make the whole night enjoyable for everyone—kids and parents alike. We've gathered tried-and-true "mom methods" to make your child's next sleepover unforgettable.

1. Keep it Manageable

While the size of your home will inform how many kids you can comfortably host, how many kids you feel comfortable hosting is quite another story. One child should be relatively easy because they'll entertain each other, while with two children you'll need to ensure no one feels like a third wheel. Three or more kids will feel like a real party.

Remember, the more children you invite, the more food, activities, and supervision you're on the hook for. If this is your first time hosting, keep it small—three or four children total. This will allow you to get acquainted with the group and focus on activities and fun. 

Tip! Small mementoes like a picture with friends, a personalized craft, or a goody bag are great ways for kids to take memories of their exciting night home with them.

2. Plan Activities, but Leave Time for Imagination

Have plenty of games and activities at-the-ready. Smaller children and larger groups need more supervision and guidance to keep the party on track. That said, regardless of their age, allow enough free time for kids to create their own games, chat, and relax.

At a loss for activities? Consider baking cookies or individual pizzas, playing board games, making forts, telling stories, or watching a movie. Want to really go all out? Create a scavenger hunt with hidden prizes around the house.

Check out even more activity and food ideas here:
20 Ideas for Entertaining the Kids Indoors
Host a Backyard Movie Bash
20 Ideas for Entertaining the Kids Outdoor
Upgrade Your S'mores

Tip! Is your child really into something these days? Whether it's superheroes, princesses, or dinos, throw a themed sleepover! It's an easy way to decorate and brainstorm DIY projects that make the night feel even more festive. Dinosaur cake, anyone? 

3. Expect the Unexpected

When dealing with children, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Forgotten items are normal, so prepare extra sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, and toiletries. Keep a first aid kit on hand, and brace yourself for some spills (kids will be kids, after all).

Ensure all beds and sleeping bags are similar enough that no one feels left out. Try arranging the sleeping bags in a starburst, with heads in the middle, to avoid arguments over who sleeps next to whom.

Even older children can wet the bed. Have an extra pair of pajamas and sheets ready, so you can discreetly handle the issue without the other children finding out.

4. Communication is Key

Begin an email chain with parents beforehand to outline of the night's activities, exchange contact info, and discuss allergies or medical issues. Use this as an opportunity to set a pick-up time. (You've given parents a night off, make sure they know it's just for the night.)

Don't forget about your own child. Check in to see how they're feeling. Create a code word they can use when they need you—if they're feeling awkward, need help wrangling the guests, or even want some kids-only time.

If you haven't already, set up a command station where everyone can easily find all the emergency contact numbers, instructions or important messages, and house rules. Listing the rules—and doing a verbal run-through—keeps everyone in the loop about what's expected.

5. Create Wind Down Time

Design: Marceau Interiors
https://www.wayfair.com/shop-the-look/slp/home-theater--photo-id11103

Whether you turn down the lights and put on a movie, or let the kids go star-gazing outdoors, creating a time for the kids to naturally wind down will make bedtime easier. Once you've readied them with a more relaxing activity, stick to the schedule and turn those lights out!

A strict bedtime is important because they'll inevitably talk or whisper into the night. Even so, set boundaries: whispering is okay, but outside voices are a no-no.

Tip! Lighting sets the mood. String lighting and flashlights keep the fun going, while nightlights ensure hallways are illuminated and boogeymen are kept at bay.