All children love a sleepover: with just a little planning, everyone can have fun - and still get some sleep!

Talk to the parents

If your child is invited to a friends' house, a quick check list will ensure that no one has any unexpected surprises. A call to the other parent will confirm that they do at least know about the invitation and you can discuss both drop off and pick up times as well as whether the invitation includes tea. This call also gives you the opportunity to mention any allergies (do they need a puff on the inhaler before bedtime?) or insecurities (a nightlight?) your child may have and discreetly ask where the children are sleeping - in an attic bedroom ? In a tent outside? You can also ask what your child should bring – sleeping bag? Pillow? If you have another child coming to stay at your house it is worth asking the other parent a few questions; is there anything the child won’t or can’t eat? Are they allowed to watch a DVD rated 12 if they are only still 10? Do they take any medicines?
Its amazing what other parents may forget to tell you!

Take the right stuff

There is no point in packing much - your child will probably return to you in the same clothes as they went in and not much washing will happen but for one night it really doesn't matter. An easy-open bag makes packing in the morning simpler - although this Skip Hop Stroller Bag and Messenger Bag are nursery bags they also make great overnight bags. A special blanket such as our Personalised Fleece Blanket gives a bit of extra comfort. If your child occasionally wets the bed you could consider stitching a Bed Protector into a sleeping bag so that, if an accident occurs, no one needs to know.

A toothbrush, toothpaste and any medicine or special cream can be put in a Personalised Washbag. Label all the children’s clothes - make it easy on yourself and use Iron-On Name Tapes. – keep the tapes next to the ironing board so that they are at hand for all new items.

Accept that lots of sweeties will be eaten - its the whole point of a sleepover! However, as a contribution, your child could take a small activity instead: Doll Making Kit
, Alphabet Beads, Play Dough, Colouring Book all make great value little gifts and might encourage a bit of creative play after all that sugar.

Limit the numbers

Don’t invite too many children to stay – everyone will have more fun, more sleep and less stress if you have just one guest, two at the most. The fun is ruined if you end up having to tell them to go to sleep at 2 in the morning! Let your guest know what to expect by gently giving the children some gentle rules such as “we have to talk like little mice in the morning so that we don’t wake up the baby” or “we leave the light on in the loo so that we can all see where to go in the middle of the night”.

Say thank you

Finally, it’s lovely to get your children into the habit of sending a brief thank you letter or card. Keep a stack of postcards, cut the front off used greetings cards or use the Card Making Kit.

Whatever you do, don’t stop them from having a sleepover….don’t you remember how much fun it was?

Good luck!

PS. Visit WhatsOn4Kids.com for Sleepovers at London Attractions