How to Help Little Kids Feel Comfortable on a Sleepover with Your Kids

When children build friendships and special connections, it's natural they want to extend a play date into a sleepover. Other times, a birthday party is a special occasion to have a friend sleep over. But sometimes, young children become scared and lonely, and the sleepover ends in tears and a call home. But here's how to help little kids feel comfortable during a sleepover with your kids!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• affection
• love
• mug or cup with child's name on it
• phone
• snacks
• extra pillows
• sleeping bag
• teddy bear on loan
• story books
• flashlight

1. When you welcome one of your children's friends over for a slumber party or a sleepover, make sure he or she knows it's OK to call home and talk to parents at any time.

2. Show the child where the phone is, and how to use it.

3. Give the child a tour of the home, to the areas where he or she is allowed to enter.

4. Make sure the guests know where the bathroom is, and keep the nightlight on at all times.

5. Children love to have a personalized item with their name on it. So for my children's special friends, on a sleepover visit, I buy a personalized mug or cup with each guest child's name on it, and they can use it while at our house. They feel like they are important, and cherished, which they are, at their home away from home.

6. Invite the child to arrange pillows just right for his or her own comfort level. Help him or her puff out the sleeping bag so it is cozy.

7. Share storybooks.

8. Share snacks.

9. Give each child a flashlight to keep near or under their pillows.

10. Tuck the children in, but before doing so, invite the guest to call home to say goodnight. This goes a long way toward reminding the child that parents are just a phone call away.
    
    A child's sleepover can be a great memory to cherish! Make sure the child feels safe, secure and valued, and the sleepover will be a great time for all!

Tips & Warnings

• Remind the guest's parents to be available by phone, in the event the child does want to connect.
• Always make sure children are kept safe from household dangers.
• Check with the child's parents about any allergies.

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 11/12/2008 this is a fantastic article. i would hope every parent would follow this advice if their kid's have sleepovers. i'm forwarding this to some of my mom friends. *****

[JIN1128]

on 11/5/2008 Great article, I like step 7!

[StacyP]

on 11/2/2008 Thanks for sharing this! My oldest is entering that sleepover age, and I need all the help I can get. LOL

[SetApart]

on 11/1/2008 Oh my goodness! This is a terrific article!! 5 stars!

[klnygaard]

on 10/29/2008 great advice-5 stars