Turning the Tables : Here is a Sleep-Over Guide for Kids
Parents: Teach Your Kids the Rules for a Successful Sleepover

Focus on what kids should know...

• BE PICKY
  One of the most common mistakes when planning a sleepover is to invite too many kids.  Before sending e-vites, consider who you really want there.  Do you have a couple BFF’s (best Friends forever)?  Stick with them and call the list complete.  Too many kids can cause the potential for drama and chaos to escalate.

• THINK ABOUT THE DYNAMICS
  Nothing hurts a sleepover more than attendees fighting, bullying, and/or ignoring each other.  When deciding who to invite, consider how the potential invitees get along.  Does everybody know each other?  Instead of having one big party with lots of different groups of people, or people who don’t get along, think about having a couple different events (for example, one for your BFF’s from school and another with your friends from the neighborhood).

• PLAN SOMETHING
  Kids can usually find activities to do on their own at a party, but most kids agree that having at least one or two planned activities makes the event even more awesome.  Cake decorating contests, scooter races,movie marathons – what would keep you and your buddies entertained for a few hours?

• CRISIS MANAGEMENT
  Even if you do your best to plan a super-fun, drama-free sleepover, there is the possibility that someone will get homesick or have an argument with another party-goer.  Talk to your parents about how you should deal with it.  It’s good to be prepared for these sorts of things.

• SPEAKING OF PARENTS...
  What are your expectations for your parents during the party?  Do you want them to be involved in the activities?  Always remember, it's their house. Talk to your family well before the party starts so everyone can agree on what to do on the big day.

• IS IT REALLY NECESSARY? 
• Sure, sleepovers can be tons of fun – but is it really what you want to do?  Is there another way you could get together with your friends and have a good time?  Think outside the box when it comes to party planning – you just may come up with the next new trend in birthday celebrations!

More tips to remember for a successful sleepover:

* Give first-time guests a tour of your home.

You probably won't want a 3 AM visitor roaming the halls in search of the bathroom.

* Make sure guests know your family's house rules

This includes notice as to where in the home (such as the parents' room or office) is off-limits to play.

* Make contact with the parents

You'll need to know how to reach them that evening, overnight, and in the morning. Ask whether the child has any food or pet allergies you should be aware of. Clear any plans you have to go out and leave the kids with a babysitter with the guests' parents before they drop her off. Keep the parents' phone numbers handy.

*Stay within earshot of the kids at all times

Out of eye-sight; maybe. But always within hearing distance so you can ensure the night is going as planned.

* Prepare guest comforts for each child

Have disposable cups available. Provide guest towels on a guest towel rack. If there's no room for another rack, put a hook on the back of the bathroom door just for guest towels.

Keep one drawer empty for guest toiletries. If space is an issue, a caddy or basket will work nicely.

* Let the kids know when you're going to bed and that you expect them to tone down the activity volume accordingly.

This is the time to reconfirm your previously chosen bedtime.

The keys to a successful sleep-over experience - Supervision & Cooperation!