10 Tips for a Blockbuster Slumber Party

1. Chat with the Birthday Child

First off, chat with the guest of honor. Figure out what she wants and what you can handle. Do you have the space, budget, and the patience for an all out bash? Or would a sleepover with 5 good friends be a better fit for your child?  Determine what is most important to your child and how you can make it all happen.

2. Pick A Theme

While a "Slumber Party" is an awesome theme, planning activities and purchasing supplies will be a breeze if you get more specific.  Some top sleepover themes are "Makeover Night" or "Movie Night."    

3. Spell It All Out In the Invitations

Include a sleepover checklist in guests' invitations. Along with the date, time, and place info, ask guests to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, even a toothbrush! Set a morning pick-up time for parents and make sure to put your main phone number on the invite in case a parent has to reach you on party night. 

4. Fab Food and a Few Healthy Options

Yes, a sugar-fest is inevitable and pizza a must. While you don't want to put a damper on the party, you may want to think about the mood swings at midnight if sweets are the only munchies on the menu. Consider a few healthy options such as natural sodas, popcorn, and fruit kabobs, and try to serve the birthday cake before 10:00pm.

5. All's Fair in Fun and Games

Slumber party fun and games are legendary! "Truth or dare" or freezing another guest's unmentionables may have been acceptable 20 years ago, but today's sleepover games should steer clear of embarrassing or humiliating situations for guests. Plan age appropriate activities for the party based on the theme. For a "Movie Party," you can make a video, sing karaoke, or rent a bunch of films as entertainment. For a "Make Over Party" you can hire a local stylist to beautify the girls and then set up a photo shoot or make it a spa party with facials and mani-pedis.       

6. Space to Spread Out

Keep everyone on the same level for ultimate party success!  You don't want hurt feelings in the morning because one guest got the bed and the others had to sleep on the floor. Make sure you have ample, equal room for all your guests. Clear out the furniture in the family room or the largest room in the house for all to sleep on the floor.

7. Monitor the Computer

No matter what your personal rules are for your child's computer use, one click on the Internet can lead to completely inappropriate content for those under 21.  Set a "no Internet rule" at the party or keep a close eye on computer use.  

8. Keep Other Family Members Occupied

Little sibs will want to join in the fun and they may not be on the guest list! If the siblings are old enough, arrange a sleepover for them at a friend's home or plan special activities. Rent a few movies that they can watch with mom and dad or buy a new toy that will keep them happy and out of the big kids' way.

9. Power Breakfast!

The party isn't over 'til it's over. Make an event out of breakfast and send everyone home with a grand finale in the morning. You don't have to make omelets for every guest. A new set of party plates and cups, a variety of doughnuts, and a selection of juices will do the trick.

10. Be the Parent

Your child and their friends may beg you for a total "hands off" policy during the party. What usually happens is the birthday child becomes the parent and has to discipline their guests if things get too wild. This doesn't mean that everyone has to hit the pillow at midnight, but you should be prepared to stay up as late as they do.  Keep an ear out and pop your head in if that little voice inside you says, "Something's up!"