First Sleep-Over Help

Jessica - posted on 04/20/2011

What does your daughter want to do, are they going to watch movies, do makeovers and manicures, play outside, play video games, etc. At that age it is hard for some kids to be leaders and start up games or anything so we had some plans but I just let my daughter take control when she was ready to. I personally would stick around the whole time. We had ten 11-12 yr olds last year (way toooo many girls and hormones) and if I hadn't stuck around there would have been fights but I was there to diffuse it just in time.
As far as making them go to sleep, I would allow them to stay up if they want to, what we did was when they seemed to get tired I had them set out their sleeping bags on the living room floor and turned off most of the lights and put on a movie but I told them they could stay up as late as they wanted but they had to keep the noise down and if they needed anything don't hesitate to wake me, some fell asleep in no time at all, others stayed up till the movie was almost over and one was still up after the movie ended but when she realized everyone else was sleeping she went to sleep. When the movie was over I turned off the tv and laid back down in my recliner and went to sleep. My thinking is first off hardly any of them will be able to stay up all night if they do that's just part of the fun, also you look like you trust them even if you are in the room with them most of the time and it made me feel better considering I was responsible for the girls when they were in my home, my daughter didn't mind at all. Make sure you take lots of pics and enjoy yourself, I figure it won't be long till my daughter doesn't want me there.

Donna - posted on 04/20/2011

What does your daughter want? Mine tends to like to plan things and likes to do crafts so we sometimes plan some crafts to do. I usually end up helping them, at least getting them started. If she is the type who prefers to just play, let them have it as they wish. We've done that too. Your daughter probably has some expectation of what she wants. I usually make movie time happen when I'm ready to go to bed. I find if you get them settled in to their sleeping bags in the dark with a movie, they will fall asleep.

Sherri - posted on 04/20/2011

I would let them be they will amuse themselves and honestly I could care less if they stay up all night as long as they are quiet and respectful of the rest of the household and lights are out by 10.

Michelle - posted on 04/19/2011

My son had a sleep over party for his birthday and took care of their own entertainement - x-box games and military ops out in the garden etc.... and at 12.30 I helped put out the air beds and sleeping bags (in the living room, as his bedroom too small fro 4 to sleep) and turned the lights out. They continued to play, as quietly as possible so as not to get caught out,for another hour and eventually fell asleep. Naturally we could still hear them but left them to it as I think that is all part of the fun - getting up to innocent mischief. I am sure with your party being a nice small group things will go just a smoothly and the girls will have fun. Enjoy!!!

Carol - posted on 04/12/2011

hi i would just let them do there own thing but say if u stay up all night and make a lot of noise u cant sleep again it works for me good luck

Meena - posted on 04/12/2011

Ohhh. sorry....i think Shannon gave a clarity...have fun..

Shannon - posted on 04/11/2011

I remember my first experience as a "hostess" for a sleep over, you are doing great already by keeping the number low and odd, that way when you add your daughter you have an even number and generally no one will be "left out" unfortunately that can still happen and hurt feelings can result. At the age of 9 i would definately make sure they had a "decent" bedtime and that you checked on them occassionally and made sure they know you are available but give them enough space to where they feel they are in control, with your daughter being the "leader" so to speak you should ask her if she wants you to be involved or if she wants to take charge herself, it is a way to let her take an active role and establish herself as a leader for other things later in life a confidence booster. Good Lick i hope all goes well! Be prepared for giggles and shrieks!

Leah - posted on 04/11/2011

Actually, I am the one hosting the party.

Meena - posted on 04/10/2011

Nowadays sleepover has become an adventure for kids. It ok..but u have to be extra cautious..Talk to the mother of your daughter's friend, whose place she is going for sleep over. Make a request not to not let them awake whole night and no computers/internet at night. They can chat, play games, do some activity etc. late night. My son also goes for sleepover. Last time he was awake most of the night and now he has been restricted for any sleepover. We need to control them. Ask the lady to keep checking in night, if they need anything..and also tell that this is your daughter's first sleepover..Rest will be fine..