10 Slumber Party Etiquette Rules

Hosting a slumber party? Consider sharing these ten slumber party etiquette rules with your young guests. (Unless you have an endless supply of No-Doze you're planning to utilize.)

These rules should be the behavior guide for kids at your child's slumber party and other kids' slumber parties. That way, she might even get invited back.

10 Slumber Party Etiquette Rules

1.  Be Courteous to All

The most critical of the slumber party etiquette rules for kids is simple: it's often called the golden rule.

Guests must be kind and show respect to everyone—both to other children and to the host child's parents. These values are crucial for a successful and enjoyable slumber party. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. 

2.  Slumber Party Etiquette Rules: No Hurtful Words or Whining

Slumber party guests should watch their language so that only the positive energy flows out at party time. No hurtful words or whining is allowed.

This is an excellent time to remind kids of the adage, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." The same goes for whining. 

3.  Include Everyone in Play

Including everyone in play means there are no twosomes, foursomes, whatever - that go off to do a separate activity, excluding the rest of the guests.

That's the quickest way to torpedo a good slumber party vibe.

4.  Be a Good Sport

OK, we get it - you don't want to paint fingernails. But you do want to play tag, so be a good sport and go along with the nail polish activity. You'll be rewarded when everyone joins the house tag game.

5.  Don't Wander Off

Good guests do not go off alone, wandering about the house in search of greener playing pastures. Stay in the specified slumber party areas.

6.  Don't Touch Electronic Equipment

Good guests only turn on the TV, stereo, or other electronic equipment or games after asking. Otherwise, you could accidentally change a setting or something.

7.  No Rough-Housing or Shouting

Keep it down - no rough-housing or shouting during a slumber party. Keep the party volume to a dull roar - especially indoors.

8.  Don't Help Yourself

A good guest will ask for food or drink if she's hungry or thirsty. It's a significant breach of slumber party etiquette to help yourself.

9.  Eat Only in the Kitchen

When given the OK to chow down, good guests remember to eat only in the kitchen or dining room, unless otherwise instructed.

10.  Lights Out Means Chill Time

When the slumber party host's parent says lights out, it's time to stop talking or giggling. Get the young guests to follow these ten slumber party etiquette rules, and everyone will have a good night. Enjoy!