How to Organize a Preschool Sleepover

If you're considering hosting a sleepover for your preschool child and her friends, you're very brave. Children at this age are often demanding and unpredictable. However, if you plan the event carefully and focus on keeping the kids happy, entertained and well fed, it can be a great success. Remember to take plenty of photographs so you can remind your child of her first sleepover when she is older.

Things You'll Need

  • Games and puzzles
  • Large tablecloth or picnic blanket
  • Paper plates
  • Finger foods

Instructions

    • 1

      Speak to the parents of the preschoolers you wish to invite directly. Preschool kids are too young to be trusted with invitations or to pass on messages. Give plenty of notice of the date of the sleepover and check if any of the children have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Check that you have all parents' contact information in case you need to get in touch with them.

    • 2

      Keep your preschool sleepover small. Any more than three kids of this age could be too much to handle. Arrange for a friend or one of the parents of the invited kids to help you entertain the children and get them ready for bed.

    • 3

      Plan your entertainment in advance. The preschoolers will be excited to be spending the whole night together, and, if left to their own devices, they may get up to mischief. Help them focus their energy on games and arts and craft activities. Make sure everything is age-appropriate.

    • 4

      Create a floor picnic for the children instead of setting the table for their snack or evening meal. Lay a large, machine-washable tablecloth or picnic blanket on the floor and serve finger foods on paper plates. This keeps messes and washing up to a minimum.

    • 5

      Stick to an early bedtime. No parent will appreciate you letting her preschooler stay up too late. At this age, children need 11 to 13 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, says award-winning pregnancy and parenting website Baby Center. If the preschoolers haven't napped during the day, they will need a long night's sleep.

    • 6

      Remember that preschoolers need a lot more help with everyday tasks than older children. Be prepared to assist with trips to the bathroom, eating, tooth brushing and dressing. Some of the children might wake up during the night and need comforting.

    • 7

      Ask parents to collect their preschoolers no later than 10 a.m. the following day. Don't underestimate how tired you will be or how early some preschoolers may rise in the morning.

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