Sleepover advice

[Username917778]

DD turning 11 and wants a sleepover in lieu of a party. We've never done one and she's never been to one aside from brownies.

She wants to invite 8 girls (actual number should drastically reduce thanks to it being in holidays)

What time should it start? I was thinking 4pm and pick up the next day at 10am.

I'd also quite like to set up the tent in the garden for them to sleep in. Are other parents likely to be okay with this? We are keen campers so have a nice tent and lots of lights and mats etc. Obviously house would be unlocked through the night for access and the garden is well lit. In a very safe neighbourhood.

Thanks

You'll have to check re the tent as it is something families feel differently about. I've have my dc sleeping out before, but only with the right friend who wasn't likely to get scared in the night.

Won't the dc want to watch films and so on? The joy of a late film at a sleepover is that the dc who want to can go to sleep while the others have something to keep them entertained. I would say letting the sleepover take over the living room is much the most successful option.

I'd check with the parents regarding the tent I'd be ok but I know others who wouldn't. My 10 year old just had a sleepover for her birthday they came straight from school on the Friday and then we're picked up between 10-10.30 on the sat morn. We only had 4 friends sleep and that was more than enough 🤣

That is a lot for a sleepover tbh, I would cap it around 6. Not sure about the tent, I would not be happy with that and there is no way my DD would have slept in a tent in someone’s garden but maybe your DD’s friends are more adventurous. I would definitely check with parents before issuing invites.

Eight is a lot and you might find they all accept!

I think you may find quite a few parents who are nervous about the tent. Will there be an adult sleeping downstairs?

Thanks so much for your advice that's really helpful! Tent was just an idea as I have such fond memories myself of sleepovers outside at that age but realise times have changed a fair bit.

I've since seen some indoor tent/teepee ideas that might work for my living room but they might also be a bit old so will have a ponder.