As a child, the idea of your friends staying over for the night is thrilling, but for parents it might be terrifying!

Caring for a group of over-excited kids, making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone is looked after can be stressful, even for the most chilled out of parents.

But if your child is set on a slumber party and you’ve finally given in, here are some tips that will make the whole process easier.

Read on if you want to learn how to host a sleepover with success!

Start Small

If you don’t host slumber parties often or it’s your child’s first one, it’s best to start small. The more kids involved, the more difficult (and stressful!) it’s probably going to be. Allowing a just a couple of friends, particularly children you know to be well behaved will make the process a lot easier.

Get Up To Date Contact Details From Parents

When your child’s guests are dropped off, be sure to take down up to date phone number from the parents. Hopefully, there will be no emergencies, but if someone starts feeling ill or just wants to go home, then you’ll need to be able to get in contact.

Sometimes kids can feel like they’re ready for their first sleepover or slumber party but later on decide they want to go home. Make sure everyone knows that this is perfectly OK, so there’s no upset or worry from your young guests.

Make Sure There’s Place To Sleep

If your child’s room is big enough, everyone could lay their sleeping bags on the floor- putting blankets or duvets underneath will make it comfier. Alternatively, you could allow them to have their slumber party downstairs in the living room.

You could even pitch a tent indoors for a fun, safe ‘camping’ experience! If your child has guests over to stay often, you could consider buying childrens bunk beds from https://bunkbeds.co.uk or a trundle bed where an extra mattress slides out from underneath.

Personalised sleepover masks from Etsy

Think About Dietary Requirements

We all know how picky kids can be with food, so when you’re catering for a group of them it’s something you might want to put some thought into! Ask your child to discuss meal ideas with their friends, and ask parents if there are any dietary requirements you need to bear in mind. Some children might not be able to eat certain things due to allergies, moral beliefs or religious reasons, so this is something to find out.

To make things easier you could order some pizzas and allow people to choose their own toppings, or you could put together a tea party style finger buffet where everyone can pick out the things that they want.

Put Together Some Activities

To keep everyone occupied you will need to provide things to do. You could leave out a selection of movies, buy some magazines aimed at their age group and even buy some pampering products like face masks and nail polish depending on the age and interests of the group. You could purchase some inexpensive crafts and things to do, or look on Pinterest for ideas.

Plan Some Fun Games

Depending on the children's ages, you could organise some fun games to keep the kids entertained. Classic games like charades, Simon says, or board games can be a hit. You could also plan a scavenger hunt around the house or garden, or set up a DIY photo booth with props for silly pictures.

Children's sleepover party favour from Etsy

Create a Cosy Movie Corner

Set up a cosy movie corner with cushions and blankets where the kids can relax and watch their favourite films. Make sure you have a selection of age-appropriate movies to choose from, and consider having a vote to decide which one to watch first.

Offer a Variety of Snacks

Stock up on a variety of snacks to keep hungry tummies satisfied throughout the night. Offer a mix of healthy options like fruit skewers and vegetable sticks with dips, alongside some treats like popcorn, crisps, and cookies. Don't forget to have plenty of drinks available too, including water, juice, and maybe even some hot chocolate with marshmallows for a bedtime treat.

Kids sleepover tents

Be Prepared for Emergencies

While you hope everything goes smoothly, it's always wise to be prepared for any emergencies that might arise. Have a first aid kit on hand for any minor accidents, and make sure you know where to find important items like torches and spare bedding. And don't forget to have a plan in place for contacting parents if needed, including any emergency contact numbers.

Now you know how to host a sleepover!

With these tips, you'll be well-equipped to host a sleepover that's not only fun but also safe and stress-free for everyone involved.