1. Plan Fun Activities
One way to handle kids' sleepovers is to make sure the kids have something to do. If you have a group of kids over and don't plan the activities, they are sure to find their own fun. It also gives you a chance to get to know your child's friends and their gifts and talents. The sleepover activities could be as simple as a movie marathon, or as complicated as a night out at the roller rink. Even give them options for after they've gone to bed, such as reading a good book together or playing quiet board games such as checkers or chess. Just make sure you have something for them to do, or you may find someone's bra in the freezer!
2. Make Sure They're Ready
Kids need a certain amount of maturity to handle kids' sleepovers themselves. Make sure your child is ready to experience the step up in their social lives. Most kids are ready by the age of seven or so, but base your decision on the maturity level of your particular child. You may want to wait longer if your child is a bed wetter, just to avoid the uncomfortable stigma that wearing the protection might bring. Also, be certain you know the parents of the children sleeping over at your house and know the parents of the children whose houses your child sleeps at. Don't drop your child off at a stranger's house, meet the family and take time to make small talk to get to know them first. Also be certain of the ages of the children at the sleepover, if there is too wide an age gap, you are better to turn down the sleepover invitation.
3. Set Ground Rules
In order to keep things fun during sleepovers, you must set some ground rules. Be sure they know there is no use of the phone past a certain hour (no matter how cute the boy is that they are calling). Tell them no movies with questionable content and have a selection of favorites available to choose from. Be firm about no computer use. The guests should use this time to get to know one another better, and they can get into too many inappropriate things surfing the net. Know that they may develop their own fun, such as a game of truth or dare, and set rules for such fun. Tell them that if they are going to play a game of truth or dare, no one is to get hurt, emotionally or physically. If anyone at the sleepover is hurt, they are to come to you immediately. Let them know you don't want them talking about anyone who is not at the party, or gossip, which is the quickest way to hurt someone emotionally. Let the guests know about other house rules too, such as name calling and how to treat others personal property.
4. Check For Food Allergies
Most kids old enough for sleepovers know what they can and cannot eat, but be sure you ask the parents about any food allergies when they drop them off. Some common allergies are to milk, wheat, soy, chocolate and nuts, although anything can cause an allergic reaction. Keep on the safe side during your kids' sleepovers and you might save yourself a trip to the emergency room.
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