| Once girls hit 8 or 9 - right up to teen years, sleepover | | | | with them when they go to bed - just in case they get |
| parties become the favorite type of birthday party. To | | | | thirsty in the night. You might want to set out the rules |
| make the party fun and easy for kids and parents, do | | | | for first up in the morning. Should that girl wake |
| your planning in advance. | | | | everyone? Wait quietly? Go into the living room? Kids |
| Sleepovers are best if they start just before dinner | | | | will feel more comfortable if they know what to do |
| and end just after breakfast the next day. Just invite | | | | and what to expect. |
| friends you know will get along and not more than you | | | | A fun last game before lights out is guessing who is in |
| have room for - 8 is usually max anyways. Don't | | | | the sleeping bag. Either send someone out of the |
| forget to tell the girls to bring their pillows, sleeping bags, | | | | room (like the birthday girl) or play this on the last |
| pajamas, clothes for the next day and wash-up stuff. | | | | person to go wash up. Everyone picks a sleeping bag |
| Let everyone know if there is a theme, so they come | | | | and climbs in so they can't be seen. The person |
| prepared. Make sure you check for food allergies | | | | coming back in has to guess which guest is in which |
| before you make your shopping list! | | | | bag by asking questions. They are NOT allowed to |
| To avoid sleep-next-to fights, have everyone sleep in | | | | ask names! Players are allowed to disguise their |
| a circle with their heads towards the middle. Just make | | | | voices. Once she guesses correctly, that person can |
| sure their heads are not too close so they do not bang | | | | come out of their bag. The game continues till the last |
| them together! Make sure all the guests know the | | | | person is left. |
| house rules too. Explain that you will not tolerate any | | | | Prepare your party ideas and games ahead of time. |
| ganging up, crank or non-emergency calls, no leaving | | | | Girls love social games like like Spill It, Best Friend's |
| without telling them, no fights, etc. | | | | Game and Truth or Dare. Games where girls can |
| Set a time for lights out so everyone knows it ahead | | | | dress up or use make up are also lots of fun, like the |
| of time. Usually, it takes a half hour or longer for the | | | | Nail Polish Spin Game. Prepare a CD or iPod with |
| chatting to stop afterwards, but hey - that's half the | | | | songs just for the party, and clear a space where the |
| fun! Make sure everyone knows where the bathroom | | | | kids can dance. Learn how to play these sleepover |
| is (leave a night light on - if possible). It is not a bad idea | | | | games and get free printable question cards. |
| to let kids bring their water canteens or water bottles | | | | |