With the return to school, comes the full-fledged return to the ‘tween slumber party season. So prepare yourself for your turn as host with these five tips that will make it smooth sailing for the whole family—and fun for all your tweenie guests!

1) Hand Over The Reins

Not completely, of course, but pre-teens are at that age where they like making their own choices; it builds confidence and independence. So for each step of the planning process, lay out a few appropriate options and let them make the final decisions.

2) The Guest List

Decide how many guests you’ll allow. Whatever your number, be firm so as not to create any room for haggling. Some parents allow as many guests as the tween is old (for instance, if she is ten, she can have ten guests). Others set a limit of eight, period. Decide what you feel is manageable for the space you have available.

3) Brainstorm A Theme

A theme might seem superfluous for a slumber party, but it’s a) fun to sit and brainstorm with your tween, and b) helpful to have a theme which can loosely guide your choices for other details of the party. 

4) Schedule Activities 

You needn’t be a rigid social director with a clipboard, but do have some plans for the evening. Appropriate activities will vary depending on the age and interests of your ‘tween, but here are a few ideas:

-       arts and crafts projects

-       movies on DVD

-       make-your-own personal pizza/sundaes/gingerbread houses

-       cupcake decorating

-       indoor or outdoor games

-       spa night

-       “celeb” dress-up         

5) Be At The Ready

Have extra pillows, blankets and sleeping bags on hand as well as phone numbers for the attendees’ parents (in case anyone gets homesick). Stay nearby so you can help facilitate activities when needed, but stay out of the way whenever possible, so your young guests feel self-directed. After all, that’s part of the appeal—and thrill—of the slumber party.