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Sleepovers, slumber parties, overnights: Whatever you call them, hearsay suggests they?re heaven for kids and hell for parents. Overly excited or homesick kids, wet sleeping bags, nervous tummies and social conflicts can make for a rather, er, eye-opening experience. ?At 4 a.m., my kid was the only one asleep,? says Linda Lee of Mississauga, Ont. ?The others were practising a dance for her birthday, and were all dressed and ready to perform!?
Sweep away the Cheezie dust and fatigue-blurred memories, however, and a more positive picture begins to emerge. ?Sleepovers can provide a chance for kids to practise being independent and boost social and problem-solving skills, all within a safe environment,? says Rob Stringer, a parenting and youth coach and father of two in Binbrook, Ont. So, how can you host a great sleepover without resorting to divine intervention" (OK, a little prayer couldn?t hurt…) We asked Canadian parents and experts to lay out their ground rules. 1. You shall not host a sleepover until your child is truly ready

?That?s probably around seven or eight years old for a party,? says Jamie Kyle McGillian, author of Sleepover Party! Games and Giggles for a Fun Night and the mother of two daughters in Dobbs Ferry, NY. ?You know the child is ready when she says she?d like to try it, when she starts packing a bag and planning games to play.? That said, kids as young as five can probably handle a small overnight visit with one or two cl...