Whether you’ve been invited to a sleepover party or are hosting your own, that initial moment of excitement can soon be replaced with dread… especially if you’re worried about being on your period or stressing about whether everyone will have a good time.

Girls have been having sleepovers or slumber parties for many years and with just a little bit of thought you can turn yours into the ultimate event everyone remembers.

Sleepover Tip #1

Make your sleepover invitations unique by designing them yourself; find a theme and use glitter and stickers to make them stand out.

Sleepover Tip #2

Decorate your room with homemade banners, fairy lights and extra cushions or bean bags if you have them…and don’t forget to leave space on the floor for games.

Sleepover Tip #3

Why not ask your guests to bring one item of food, such as popcorn, fun bars or marshmallows. And if you are allowed, ask if you can order a pizza in. Even better… one of your party games could be making your own pizzas!

Sleepover Tip #4

Brothers and sisters can often feel left out so why not ask your parents or the person who cares for you if they can stay with a relative or adult. This will make the night special for them too!

Sleepover Tip #5

Remember that your room is not Dr Who’s Tardis, so limit the amount of people you invite… 5 is a good number. If you’re worried about leaving someone out, explain that you are only allowed a small number of attendees and that you will organise something in the summer months for everyone to attend in your garden for example.

Sleepover Tip #6

If you’ve been invited to a sleepover and are worried about starting your period or being on your period, here are some tips.

• If you feel uncomfortable using someone else’s rubbish bin, put a plastic bag or old PE kit in your overnight bag and simply wrap and place used pads or tampons in it. And don’t worry, people won’t notice if you take your overnight bag into the bathroom to get changed.
• To avoid staining your bed clothes and bed linen, make sure you have some night time pads with you.
• If your period has not yet arrived but you are anxious it may start when away from home, consider wearing a pant liner during your stay.
• You may even like to take our Lil-Lets Teens starter pack with you. It contains everything you need for your period and because it looks like a cosmetic bag, no one will know what’s inside.

Sleepover Tip #7

It’s great to be organised but remember that sleepovers should be fun too. Don’t be upset if not everyone wants to take part in the games or you don’t have enough time to fit everything in.

Sleepover Tip #8

Sleepovers can easily get out of hand. So, why not put a poster on your bedroom door letting everyone know that it’s not a night for teasing or being unkind to people who are either there or who have not been invited. And, if you feel uncomfortable with any conversations or games on offer, tell someone; there really is nothing wrong with saying NO and most likely if you feel uncomfortable, someone else will too.

Watch out for the Sleepover blog part two where we will have share some great ideas and activities to do on the night.