Why Have a Sleepover
Every child loves to have his or her friends come over to their place. It is like showing off within a safety capsule. The ultimate in visits is the sleepover.
Although it can be a bit of work getting everything set up, there are a lot of benefits in having a sleepover at your place. The biggest benefit is being close to the action. What better way is there to really get to know your childrens friends? In many cases these are the kids that they will be friendly with throughout their teenage years. I like to know who is who and how they behave. A sleepover can give you a huge insight into their worlds.
I remember reading stories when I was young, about kids at boarding school and the midnight feasts they use to have in secret. The closest I could ever get was at the sleepover. There is mystery and extra fun once the darkness arrives and it sets such an atmosphere that nothing any adult could do could improve on it.
Let's look at different ways to make your childs sleepover a huge and very memorable success.
Scavenger Hunt
Do you remember doing a scavenger hunt? Weren't they fun? We used to get in and out of the most amazing spaces trying to find the elusive clues. It kept us moving and really worked our brains. It was also hilarious as we searched in ridiculous spots for things that really weren't worth anything much at all.
You could set up a scavenger hunt for the sleepover. It works really well if the items they are searching for are really relevant to the kids, and can be used after the hunt if finished. For example, little bits of makeup for girls who can then make each other over. Boys always go for cars, marbles, or random collector cards. Imagine the noise afterwards when they compare loot!
Clown Parties
Have the kids come dressed as clowns. The activities can include juggling competitions (use very soft balls!), painting their faces as clowns, making clown masks, balloon blowing and so on. Simple, fun and easy.
Dance Parties:
Some music and coloured lights make an instant disco. Add glowing tube necklaces and turn down the lights for atmosphere. They are great prizes too. Try some simple dance competitions and get them doing the Nutbush and Macarena.
Idol Parties
What child doesn't want to be famous? How about karaoke? Playstation Sing Star? Throw in a fake microphone and plastic sunnies and how cool a star will they be? You can be paparazzi and shoot some photos while they sing. Print a few out to take home in their loot bags.
Whatever you do, don't forget to have some DVD's on hand (with a matching theme) so that when it is time to wind down the party still continues.
It doesn't take a lot of effort to prepare for a sleepover. Just remember to keep the theme going through all apsects of the party, and include a wind down event. This gives them time to feel tired and sleepy and should make your night a little less hectic.
