Since becoming a father, I have hosted more kids’ sleepovers than I care to remember. My goodness, they can be stressful! Or at least, they can be if you don’t have a plan.
I’ve learned a thing or two about how to survive—and even enjoy—what can feel like a never-ending whirlwind of chaos when other people’s children come to stay, and I will share them with you here.
If you’re about to take on the challenge, don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Here’s my guide to not just surviving a sleepover, but actually making it through with your sanity intact.
Prepare for the Noise
Let’s get this out of the way early. Kids are loud. Whether it’s giggling, shouting, or the occasional high-pitched scream (usually over something trivial), you’re in for a racket. And so are your neighbours. Sorry neighbours! If you’re a light sleeper, get ready for a night of disrupted slumber.
But here’s the thing—embrace it. It’s part of the fun, and as much as you might want to tell them to quiet down, you’re not going to win that battle. Instead, consider earplugs or some white noise if you’re really struggling. And if you’re in a situation where you’re trying to get to bed early, make sure you let them know the rules about noise before the sleepover starts. A gentle reminder about not waking up the whole house can sometimes go a long way.
Set Some Ground Rules (and Stick to Them)
Before the first child walks through the door, make sure you’ve set some basic ground rules. This isn’t about being the “fun police,” it’s about making sure things don’t spiral out of control. Think about the things that have caused trouble in past sleepovers (I’ve had a few) and lay them down clearly.
Some basic rules could be:
- No running indoors. Trust me, a few broken lamps can spoil the fun.
- No scary movies—or if you’re feeling brave, pick something family-friendly.
- Quiet time—even if it’s just for 30 minutes to give everyone a breather.
- Be respectful—this means no roughhousing, no arguing, and generally just playing nice.
Kids love to push boundaries, and the more you stick to the rules, the smoother the sleepover will be. If you’re not sure about how to enforce the rules, you can always pull out the classic “I’ll ring your parents!” It works every time.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
You’re going to need plenty of snacks. I mean lots of snacks. Pizza is always a winner, but it’s important to have a good variety on hand. I tend to go with a spread that includes:
- Pizza (obviously)
- Popcorn for munching during the movie
- Fruit (yes, they’ll eat it—even if they claim to hate it)
- Biscuits and crisps—because you know they’ll be raiding your cupboard at 2 a.m.
- Cakes or cupcakes—no sleepover is complete without a bit of sugar, right?
Pro tip: Set up a little snack station. That way, you’re not constantly running to the kitchen to fetch things. Just leave everything out and let them help themselves—within reason. It gives you a bit of breathing space.
Entertainment is Key
A sleepover without entertainment is just a group of kids shouting at each other. Trust me, you don’t want that.
Plan a few activities before the kids arrive. If you’re feeling creative, you can get a bit crafty with DIY activities like making friendship bracelets or custom T-shirts. But if you’re like me and just want to keep things simple, stick to classics like:
- Board games—a game of Monopoly, Twister, or Uno can keep them occupied for hours. Just make sure it’s something everyone can play.
- Movie night—choose a few films and let the kids vote on which to watch. Make it an event with blankets and dim lighting to make it feel extra special.
- DIY karaoke—you can’t go wrong with a little singing competition. It’s cheesy but guaranteed to get a laugh.
Plan for Sleep Time
Ah, sleep. The moment we’re all waiting for. Or are we? The kids might be excited and buzzing around long after their “bedtime,” but there are a few ways you can make the transition easier.
- Have a designated sleep area—whether it’s a set of sleeping bags on the floor or an air mattress, get a clear idea of where everyone will sleep.
- Set a bedtime—be firm about this one. I usually go with something like, “No more games after 9 p.m.,” which gives them enough time to wind down.
- Dim the lights—turn down the lights to signal that it’s time to wind down. You might even want to read a bedtime story, though I usually opt for a chapter or two from a book we can all enjoy.
Now, don’t expect them to fall asleep straight away. It’s likely there will be some giggling or whispered conversations for a bit. But, as with the noise earlier, this is just part of the deal. If they’re really not settling down, you can always step in and remind them of the rules again. If they’re getting restless, you might need to redirect their energy towards a quieter activity like a game of “I Spy.”
The Morning After
Ah, the morning after a sleepover. You’ve survived the chaos, but now you’re dealing with tired, irritable kids (and possibly a slightly frazzled house). Here’s how to handle it:
- Breakfast—This is where you can win “Best Dad of the Year.” Have a breakfast ready. Pancakes, cereal, toast, or scrambled eggs—whatever gets them fuelled for the day. Just make sure you’ve got a good amount of food to keep them going. Trust me, hungry kids make for moody guests.
- Pick-up time—By now, you’ll have some parents arriving to collect their kids. Try to have a bit of a tidy-up before they show up. No need to go overboard, but clearing away the pizza boxes and snack wrappers will at least make your home look presentable.
Remember to Enjoy Yourself
Hosting a kids’ sleepover isn’t all about putting out fires and being a referee. In fact, if you let yourself get too caught up in the chaos, you’ll miss out on the fun. Yes, there will be moments where you question your life choices (we all have them), but remember to sit back and enjoy the kids’ laughter and energy. This is part of the experience.
And when it’s all over, there’s a sense of satisfaction that you’ve made it through—and maybe even made some good memories along the way.
Final Thoughts
Sleepovers can be a blast, but they’re a lot of work, too. The key is preparation, clear rules, and a sense of humour. If you can roll with the punches and stay on top of the chaos, you’ll survive with your sanity intact. And who knows, you might even find yourself looking forward to the next one.
Good luck, Dad. You’ve got this.
