How to Plan a Teen Sleepover

Some planning - and some rules - will help everyone sleep a
little easier.

1. Sit down with your teen and decide how many kids to invite. Consider the size of your living room (or whichever room the teens will sleep in), how light a sleeper you are, and any other specifics of your house that affect how many teens can fit in your house.
2. Send out invitations a week ahead of time, or pass the word by phone. Ask guests to RSVP. Make it clear that the party will be supervised, with an adult present for all of the activities.
3. Ask everyone to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
4. Have at least three or four age-appropriate videos for the kids to watch, and make the sleepover spot convenient to the TV and VCR if possible.
5. Be prepared in case the kids want to bake cookies, go swimming or play games.
6. Stock up on snacks and beverages. If you have concerns about spills on your carpet or furniture, limit eating to the kitchen.
7. Don't forget to lay in supplies for breakfast. Bagels and orange juice are fine, or you can get more elaborate.
8. When the kids arrive, spell out the rules from the start. Discuss what rooms the kids can use and when they can make noise, and set limits on phone and kitchen use. If you don't want them to leave the house for any reason, tell them up front. If you're not sure your teen will be comfortable laying out the ground rules, take the responsibility yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want the teens going off on their own in the middle of the night or if you don't want any members of the opposite sex showing up during the night, make those rules very clear at the beginning.