Summer break is a time for swimming at the pool (or simply running through sprinklers), grilling out in the backyard, and having slumber parties! With the kids home from school and more lenient bedtimes, chances are your kids’ have already asked to have a friend or two (or more) spend the night. And while it may be fun for the kiddos, it probably sounds like a big hassle to Mom and Dad. Rest easy! Here, we’ll cover some tips for hosting a summer slumber party stress-free!
Make Your TV Room Sleep (And Play) Central
Instead of squishing everyone in a tiny bedroom or two, and having to wash extra bedding (because that’s no fun for anyone), ask guests to bring their sleeping bags and have them “camp out” in the TV room! Take advantage of your storage solutions by stocking TV room cabinetry with board games, toys and extra pillows and contain the mess to just one room. To keep kids entertained, set up the video game system, and rent a few movies. You can find suggestions for age-appropriate movies and ratings on sites like Common Sense Media.
Have Lots Of Kid-Friendly Food On Hand
Growing kids get hungry, but you’re a parent, not a short order cook. There’s bound to be a picky eater in the bunch, so keep the menu simple with lots of variety. Ideal slumber party foods are low on mess and easy to make and eat. Grill up some hot dogs or order pizzas, and keep your kitchen cabinets filled with kid-friendly snacks and beverages. Good choices for summer include:
- 100% Juice Boxes
- Water Bottles
- Lemonade
- Ice Pops
- Ice Cream Bars/Cups
- Bite-Sized Brownies
- Marshmallow Crispy Treats
- Mini Muffins
- Granola Bars
- Cookies
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Cheese
- Crackers
- Yogurt Tubes
- Chicken Nuggets
- Pizza Bagels
- Mini Corn Dogs
If you have a backyard fire pit, you could even roast marshmallows or make S’mores!
Don’t Forget The Most Important Meal Of The Day
Even after all those party snacks, chances are the kids will be starving come morning. Start the day off right by cooking up a big pan of scrambled eggs. Microwavable breakfast sausage is fast and easy, and be sure to include some healthy fruit on the side. Kids love pancakes and they’re fairly simple to make. But toaster waffles or a dozen doughnuts are even easier. Whatever you choose to serve up, keeping things fun and stress-free is the key to a successful summer slumber party!
Other Smart Slumber Party Tips:
- Make sure you have a phone number for all parents, in case anyone decides they want to go home mid party (it happens).
- Set clear rules at the start of the party, including whether or not food and drink is allowed in the TV room or if it stays in the kitchen, and what time will be “lights-out.”
- Slumber parties are all about staying up late. Have a set pick up time in the morning so you’re not stuck with a house full of tired and cranky kids the entire next day.
- Have your kids help clean up after their guests leave, or better yet, make sure the guests straighten up the TV room and put toys and games away before they go.
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