Plan a successful sleepover for your child's party! 10 magical tips!

A sleepover is often THE party that children look forward to the most, because it is a big event for them: they stay overnight at a friend's house or invite their friends to stay overnight at their house.

A bit like a rite of passage, it is a confirmation of their growing independence.
It is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships between friends.

Any occasion is a good occasion to host a pajama party: to celebrate a birthday at home, to get together with friends, to celebrate the start of school, the holidays, Halloween, summer, etc.

Here are a few tips to help make the party run as smoothly as possible for the children and for you!

A pajama party, from what age?

That depends greatly on how mature your child is and how mature their friends are. If your child regularly expresses a desire to do so and has already achieved a certain degree of independence, usually at the age of 7–8, then they are ready.

For younger children, little brothers or little sisters who want to do the same as their older siblings, you can organize a pajama party in the afternoon and end the celebration in the early evening (around 8:00–9:00 p.m.).

Who should be invited to the children's birthday party at home?

For your first sleepover, don't aim too high. A small group of two to four children creates a good dynamic. Invite your best friends. It's important that each guest has been to your house at least once before, as they will feel more comfortable and confident, and you will have had the opportunity to get to know each of their personalities.

After a little practice, you can move on to larger pajama parties.

The birthday invitations

Be clear about when guests arrive and when they leave the next morning—10 a.m. or 11 a.m. at the latest—you'll be glad to be able to retreat in peace.

Please specify what guests should bring with them: toiletries bag, towel, pillow, sleeping bag, stuffed animal, etc.

Send out the invitations at least three weeks in advance so that everyone has time to prepare.

Communicate with parents

Make sure you have all the parents' phone numbers. Tell them that you will call them if their child feels too unwell at bedtime or during the night, so that they can pick them up if necessary.

Ask about any allergies, special dietary requirements, bedtime routines, comfort toys, etc. that your little guests may have. If some children need a diaper for the night and you know this, you can handle it discreetly compared to the other children so that everyone has a good time.

Prepare your child for their role as host

It's a good opportunity to empower your child and trust them, but a little preparation can't hurt.

Discuss with your child the rules they must follow during the party (rooms they are and are not allowed to enter during the party, bedtime, list of permitted movies if a movie is being shown, etc.).
Suggest that your child show their friends around the house (again) so that everyone feels comfortable and knows which bathroom to use and where to find water, tissues, etc.
Prepare a list of activities and games with your child that they can suggest to their friends. Work with them to outline the schedule for the evening. Example:

• Play outside
• Cooking workshop: We prepare the pizzas for dinner together.
• Games in the house
• Dinner while watching a movie
• Brushing teeth, going to the bathroom (don't forget!)
• Everyone lies down in their bed, stories are told/read aloud.
• Agree on a bedtime

Use this experience to be an accomplice to your child.

Reassure him by telling him that you're there to help him when things don't go as planned. You can even set up a little "alarm" code—a signal or a short phrase—to use when something isn't right.

Decorating the house for the pajama party

The best part of a sleepover is creating a cozy, cocoon-like setting with tents or little huts—either individual ones or one large tent to “house” the whole small group.

If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can do this with a large bed sheet stretched between two attachment points, or you can opt for a rental service such as that offered by The Enchanted Company (www.theenchantedcompany.ch).

Then decide on a theme with your child: unicorns, mermaids, camping in the forest, llamas, pirates, safari, wellness evening, soccer, etc. Decorate the room where the children will sleep in the colors of the chosen theme.
The theme can also guide you in choosing games and activities.

You can also plan small gifts for your guests: how about a small toiletries set with a toothbrush (an item that is most often forgotten!), a washcloth, and a small towel? If you plan to cook, small aprons would also be a useful idea and a nice souvenir.

The meals at this pajama party

Depending on what time you start the party, you will need to plan for two or three meals.

If you’re celebrating a birthday, make sure the party starts a little earlier and suggest trying the cake right at the beginning of the party: This prevents a “sugar rush” later in the evening.
Plan a simple meal for the evening that the kids can help cook together: pizza, croque-monsieurs, or—in the summer—grilled food. Don’t forget easy-to-eat raw vegetables. Popcorn is always a big hit, especially if a movie is on the agenda.
If you really want to serve candy or sugary drinks, offer them at the start of the party and avoid sugar for at least two hours before bedtime—or wait until the next morning.
For breakfast the next morning, consider pancakes, waffles, crêpes, mini muffins, smoothies, etc. Depending on the children’s ages, you can also set up a breakfast buffet (cereal, bread, jam, spreads, etc.) so the kids can help themselves the next day and you can get a little more sleep. Don’t forget the fruit!
If you have meal trays so the kids can eat on their beds, they’ll LOVE it! If not, you can also spread a large tablecloth or a sheet on the floor, picnic-style.

What activities should you plan for the party?

If you have an outdoor area, it's always good for the kids to be able to burn off some energy before the end of the day.

Many children enjoy cooking; plan to involve them in preparing the food. A workshop on decorating cookies or cupcakes, etc., can be a lot of fun.

Depending on your preferences, you can plan a creative workshop, a scavenger hunt, a costume party, a quiz, or a board game. A “spa night” or a fashion show are especially popular with girls.

The older the children are, the more they will want to plan activities themselves, and you won't have to worry about it (just check regularly to make sure everything is okay).

In any case, always stay with the children or remain in an adjacent room. For older children who want to stay “quiet,” make it clear from the start that you will check on them regularly (i.e., every 20–30 minutes).

Going to bed at a pajama party

In the early evening or after dinner, it’s often helpful to “announce” bedtime—that is, set the parameters and ask the children for their cooperation. About 30 minutes before the planned bedtime, you should dim the lights and let them know that it’s almost time to sleep.
Depending on the children’s ages, you can read or tell them a story, or let them tell or read it themselves.
Provide nightlights or leave a light on overnight.

Relax and enjoy it too!

To avoid unnecessary stress, remove items that are important to you from the room where the children will play and sleep.

Keep toilet paper rolls, towels, tissues, toothbrushes, and toothpaste in the bathroom to prevent anyone from rummaging through your cabinets.

Keep a first aid kit handy.

Expect that it won't be your best night's sleep, but your child will be so grateful that it will be worth it. And then you might be surprised! If you can, it's good to have help: your spouse or a friend.

Take souvenir photos and videos and admire the smiles and stars in your eyes!