Sleepovers make some of the best childhood memories, and there are several things you can do as a parent to make them even more memorable.
It starts with the sleeping quarters – the star of any sleepover is a great bed! Bunk beds and fold-out beds are excellent options.
However, the last thing you want is for your children to be wired and roaring late at night when it’s well past bedtime.
This article provides several must-know sleepover tips for parents to help you ensure that everyone has a great time (you included).
Let’s jump in!
Set the ground rules
Speak to your children about the rules in force during the sleepover and the consequences of breaking those rules. Provide clear instructions and remind them to behave, so you don’t have to police the situation.
Children will be children, but things like shouting, banging, and boisterous behaviour that could injure or break something should be forbidden.
Also, make sure your children know to ask for permission before doing things, like playing outside and running a bath.
Keep other parents in the loop
Parents of the other children will appreciate knowing bedtimes and sleeping arrangements, and they might have their own requests. For example, Muslim parents may want their children to follow a Halal diet.
Keeping other parents in the loop is also crucial for peace of mind – this could be the first time their child has slept at a friend’s house! Wouldn’t you want to be in the loop?
Sort the sleeping situation
While most children will be happy sleeping on the floor underneath a duvet, it’s better to provide a proper bed to maximise comfort. Keeping children off the floor is also a good idea from a hygiene and safety perspective.
We recommend folding beds for sleepovers because they are comfortable, easy to store and pack away, and perfectly safe for children from age five.
Another option is a guest bed like the Julian Bowen Maine – guest beds have a pull-out bed, making them ideal for younger children.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Maine 3FT Single Bookcase Pull Out Guest Bed – Grey
Bunk beds are the perfect sleeping solution for children over seven because they provide separate, private sleeping spaces. They are also fun, but make sure everyone knows not to mess around with them.
Set a strict time for electronics
Televisions, game consoles, computers, smartphones, and tablets can keep children awake all night. Setting a strict turn-off time is essential so that children can wind down and relax, helping them fall asleep at a reasonable time.
Studies show that the blue light from electronic devices interrupts the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, keeping children awake.
Additionally, electronic devices can promote giddiness and boisterousness, making children hyper and promoting bad behaviour.
Offer snacks – but keep the sugar low!
Chocolate, sweets, popcorn, biscuits, and fizzy drinks are every child’s sleepover dream, but you risk them never sleeping if you feed them sugar.
It is better to offer savoury snacks like breadsticks and dips and ensure everyone is full after a meal so that no one is tempted to sneak chocolate into the room.
You can also get sugar-free sweets and no added sugar chocolate – these use sweeteners and will not make your children hyper.
Try not to embarrass your child
While it is tempting to kiss your child before they go to bed and tell them off when they are naughty, it will only embarrass them if they are older.
If you need to have a word with your child, pull them aside, and if you want to kiss your kid, ask them first or do it when no one’s looking.
This might sound silly, but trust us when we say your child will appreciate being told off and kissed out of view. It’s the little things!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our article bunk beds and mattresses buying guide.
Some of my favourite memories as a kid are the sleepovers! My children haven’t had one yet. Loving the tips for the future.