My Son's First Sleep Over.

I have 3 boys. My youngest likes to build forts that they can sleep in. Maybe you can also ask the boy to bring a toy to share with your son. This helps the other boy to not be scared to be at someone's house. Like the other person said you don't want to make it too structured. They'll probably spend the first bit of time exploring you house. That's what boys do. You could leave a few of your son's favorite games out so they can play with them. Regarding the times, talk it over with the other mom. Between the 2 of you , you can decide what is best for the two of them.

You have gotten some good advise. Here are a few more things, based on first-hand experience. My son has had friends over & he has been over to others, just recently he is back to where he cannot stay the entire night - I will get a late night call asking me to come and get him. So, here are some ideas, tips, etc. 1) pizza is always a good choice for dinner; 2) make sure the kid staying the night has his favorite blankie or toy with him (otherwise a trip from the parents might be needed); 3)They will find things to do just fine; 4) find out what his bedtime ritual is and try to accomodate - like my son likes cookies & milk before going to bed; 5) popcorn & a movie is a treat, especially if they are in need of something to do; 6) let the kids stay up a little later than usual, but then get them in their pajamas, then into bed, and let them talk a little while in bed, and then you sometimes just have to say, "it's time to stop talking & go to sleep now." Something funny - My son (9) just had a friend (8) over a week ago or so ago & I stood outside his door & listened to their conversation - they were talking about their "girlfriends"! It was too funny! Then a few minutes later I walked in and said - "Ok guys, time to stop talking & go to sleep. You're probably talking about girls or something!" They giggled, because they had no idea. It was so cute (I know my son was totally making up his girlfriend!) Oh, and if the child starts to get a little home-sick, let him call home. Let them decide whether he is ok staying, or if they need to come & get him. Last time my son stayed the night, he called me twice before I figured I better go get him.

First off K. take a deep breath, and relax. You have boys of your own, they don't differ much from each other. So his friend shouldn't be that big of a challenge. First thing you want to do is see if his friend is allergic to anything. What his favorites are etc. We usually just get pizza for dinner, and make pancakes for breakfast. Something simple. As for keeping them entertained, they will handle that themselves. Trust me, it is great! You may want to get a movie that they can fall asleep to, so they can unwind. Have fun!

Hi K.-
I have two boys and when they first started having friends over I would usually begin it at 6:00 pm. I would always have 2-3 ideas ready to do with them if free play got boring or out of control.Examples include games, crafts, cooking, etc. We rarely needed these, but I knew I was covered if need be. For kindergartners you could probably have them lay down to watch a movie around 9-9:30. I usually served a snack at the beginning of this time. Hopefully, they'll be asleep by the time the movie is over. Breakfast in the morning and pick up around 11:00 or so.
Hope this helps...
B.

If the child's never been over to play then aren't you a little afraid of doing a sleepover for the first time. My guess is you'll be taking this child home in the middle of the night. Hopefully not, but that age is pretty unpredictable how they're going to do at bedtime. I would have him come over for the evening to play and order pizza and then go home. Other kids need to get used to your house, you, your family, etc. before taking the big leap of sleeping over. Just a thought.

Hi K.! As a mom of three kids (two of which are boys ages 10-1/2 and almost 12), we've had lots of sleep overs. I find that the best thing is to let them play as they want. I wouldn't try and have a structured schedule, just let them play with your son's toys. That's all they want to do anyway! Keep the sweets to a minimum!!! Put a movie on for them when it's getting close to bedtime, and hopefully, they will fall asleep before it's over! I've experienced that most kids -- especially boys -- just want to play. Your son will have fun, no matter what they do!

Maybe get a movie your son can pick out for him and his friend, maybe plan a little something special for dinner or a special dessert, ice cream sundaes they can make them selves. Do you have a tent that fist in the living room? Set that up for your boy and his guest. Make sure you do things for the whole family like you have 4 son's not just 3, but also things for just the boy who has the guest over. Have things for your other boys to do at the same time so they have time to play together

For sleep-overs I would have dinner at my friend's house (or have then over for dinner) then I would go home before noon the next day(or have my gust go home before noon the next day).

I hope this helps.

Oh and it's going to be loud. Just a warning. :)

I agree with other moms. I wouldn't try to schedule anything. Just let them have fun. If you try to schedule stuff, then it defeats the purpose of having your buddy over for a sleepover. It's more about playing without time limits, sleeping with your best bud in the room with you, staying up a little late, and eating late night snacks. I've had my daughter have a sleepover twice and they barely came out of her room! It was hilarious! They just played and played.

please relax.no big deal just make sure that they share toys and ask for moms or dads cell phone number in case if emergencies.get your boys favorite foods or finger foods and leave them alone.

Have him over in time for dinner... plan something that will get thier energy out (nerf basket ball in the garage or red light green light) try to wear them down as much as possible then settle down to a movie (or two) and some popcorn and water (so maybe you will get to sleep)... be prepared to have to call mom to pick the boy up as he is likely to be nervous and once the lights are out for bed he may freak (unless he has done this before)... if your lucky they will crash out watching the movies and you will be good to go to morning! Good Luck and have fun (got your ear plugs? lol)

I am not sure if someone mentioned this, I didn't read all the responses. Be prepared to call his parents! My sons best friend at that age would "try" to stay the night and we would end up calling his parents because he wanted to go home. I think this happened 4-5 times with him, he finally did stay over and spent MANY nights here, he has since moved:( Sleep overs are so much fun at that age! Enjoy!

Don't stress over this, you will be amazed. Just having someone different over, they will entertain themselves. You can have some activities planned but I wouldn't be surprised if they don't even get to them. My kids are 18, 17 boys and an 11 yo girl. I LOVE having friends over because they go away and entertain themselves. They may not be the neatest little critters so make sure they clean up before they move on or you will run yourself crazy. Just let him enjoy visiting with his friend, and it's ok to let your other 2 boys play with them some, but in my opinion you should give them some alone time or your son is going to get upset. I hope that makes a bit of sense!! Have fun and relax!!

Sleep overs are fun and some times alot of work. Other times it is just a couple of kids having fun. Ask the children what they would like to do.Rent a movie, or whatever . What kind of food they would like to have and snacks.Hopefully all are pretty good for them.
Talk to the other Mother find out if the child has any medical conditions or allergies. Ask her what her son likes to do with his free time.
Children this young should be easily entertained.

Boy's are really not that different than girls. They will play whatever boys play these days, watch a movie and then go to bed. I have 2 boys and they had friends sleep over a lot. We usually had them come in time for supper- had pizza usually. The rest pretty well takes care of itself. When they were teenagers, they even got up and fixed their own eggs and pancakes! Have fun!

First i would say go ahead and let yourself relax. Then keep in mind too that this other little boy will probably be a little nervous being away from his mom so make sure you are just as comforting to him as you would want the other mother to be to your son. I would have some games set out to offer and encourage them to play, or just let your son and his friend take the lead, movie rentals are always fun during a sleepover and popcorn. Sleepovers are special treats so treat them that way. I would say allow him to come over a little before dinner and then you can make pizzas together or order them. Good luck and remeber just have fun with it.