Whether it's a winter birthday party or a treat for kids who are stuck indoors on a wintry weekend, a sleepover is the perfect winter party.
Kids love a long afternoon of video games with their friends, so start the party mid-afternoon. Because they have to be indoors anyway, you can feel guilt-free about this indulgence. Let the guests bring their games; they'll sort out what they want to play. Or, make a road trip to the video store and let the kids pick out a game rental and a late-night movie.
Don't let the kids snack while they play games all afternoon. Put fruit, nuts, napkins and drinks in the kitchen for game breaks. You'll save a big mess and they'll still have an appetite for supper and birthday cake. Keep supper simple. Let them make their own pizzas; or if they can't break away from their games, serve take-out pizza. If the weather allows, take the kids out to dinner. It will be a fun break for everyone to get out of the house.
Plan a couple of active indoor games to have if they get bored or restless. But, don't insist that they play; offer it and let them choose if and when to play. The cool thing about a sleepover, for kids and parents, is the flexible and relaxed atmosphere for your child and friends to hang out, bond, and choose their own fun. If your child and friends are young and new to sleepovers, they may need you to plan some activities to keep them going. Otherwise, just keep checking on them while you enjoy the time to your own indoor pursuits.
Set a bedtime. It just doesn't make sense to let kids stay up all night. We like to lay pallets on the floor for a late-night movie and drifting off to sleep. Turn the lights out and they should all be asleep by the end of the movie.
When the kids wake up, have a simple but hearty finger-food breakfast. We like the classic crescent roll and sausage wraps, cinnamon toast, bacon, and cereal with fruit. For a large group, prepare crock pot scrambled eggs. They'll need plenty of energy for going outside in the cold. At our house, we keep the ending of the sleepover loose. Some kids go home after breakfast or they may stay the rest of the day. If they stay, I'll give the kids some clean-up chores before they hit the game room for another lazy winter afternoon.
