Sleep-over survival guide

If your child shares a room, don't make the sibling a part of the sleepover
Have the kids sleep in sleeping bags in the living room. Siblings of different ages won’t want to include each other so it’s best not to force the issue. Instead, plan an activity for the other sibling such as a trip to the cinema or a play date.

Plan ahead with your little host or hostess
Your child should be given some guidelines and rules before the guests arrive: If TV is allowed, let them know how long they can watch it for and tell them what time lights-out should be at (it’s wishful thinking to think they will actually go to sleep at this time).

Suggest fun activities such as board games and outdoor play.

Group activities like board games, card-games, charades or a fun game of tag are all fun activities for children.

Give first-time guests a tour
Letting them know where everything is will put them at ease and prevent them from wandering the halls late at night looking for the bathroom!

Explain the rules of the house to your guests
Explain to them where in the home (such as parent’s bedroom) is off-limits to play in.

Contact the parents.
You will need to know how to contact them at all times. Ask whether children have any particular food or pet allergies you need to know of.

Keep a firm eye on the kids
It’s important to keep a discreet eye on how the night is going. Stay out of the way but don’t go far!

Prepare guest comforts for each child.
Provide guest towels and keep toiletries in the bathroom for guests.
Set up a make-up or manicure table for teens. It might just keep them off their mobile phone for a while.

Let the children know when you're going to bed and tell them that they must keep the volume down.

You should tell them when it’s time for bed and reconfirm lights-out.

Prepare a really delicious treat.
Bake chocolate-chunk cookies or order a delicious pizza.