
Yay! A sleepover.
School’s out! So parents get ready for the repeating of “can Tatum spend the night?”. So be prepared and read some of these sleepover tips to make those spend-a-nights as memorable as possible.
Many parents wonder at what age is appropriate to have a sleepover or go to one. Many suggest 7 years is a good age if you know the child and parents well. Others feel 9-10 is a good beginning.
Start small then go from there. Have one child at a time for the first few sleepovers then if you and your kiddo are comfortable then add some more. Remember, group dynamics are vastly different than one on one. If you have more than one for that slumber party, make sure there’s no “ganging up” going on. Monitor them and make sure.
Make sure you honor their parent’s wishes. If their little one is cranky the next day due to the lack of sleep then make sure they go to bed early and enforce it. The older they are, the less that factors in. Respect any dietary requests. If their parents don’t want their kids having sugar then no sneaking a skittle or two to earn brownie points. (Pun intended.)
Make sure they have everything they need prior so they’re comfortable at your house. Whether it’s their grappie pillow or fluffy blanket, make sure it’s with them. And make sure they have the essentials such as toothbrush and PJs.
Have games and activities ready and available but not expected nor mandated. If they want them then they’re there and ready.
Be prepared to feed them. They’re guests so feed them and do so on a timely manner and in a healthy manner. And have a nice dessert or treat for them afterwards. As long as parents say OK. But do it after dinner. No sugar one hour before bed time.
And make sure to feed them a good breakfast. You don’t want the parent picking up a hungry child. That’s kind of rude.
Pick a pick up time for the next morning so both sets of parents know how to schedule. Usually 10 or 11 AM is a good time.
Make sure to have their parents cell phones programmed in case the child gets homesick or sick. And communicate that to the parents so both know and have contact information.
Sleepovers are indelible memories for the kids so make sure you make the best of them. Sacrificing some of your sanity, space, time and effort is well worth it especially when you hear them talk about those nights when they’re home for the holidays with their children (your grandchildren) talking about those nights.
Just another ShopRTO Home Lifestyle tip.