Last weekend, my partner Alex agreed to host a sleepover with our daughters, ages six and ten. The noise emanating from their room resembled a scene from a dinosaur movie. The only rule, as I learned after ignoring the sign on the door that read “pleas knok,” was that no boys were allowed—something I discovered too late.
Upon entering, I was greeted by two girls in a mix of princess dresses and Halloween costumes, complete with mismatched hats. The floor was cluttered with outfits, board games, and dolls. Alex donned a floral hat reminiscent of an old-time prairie look, but her expression conveyed a mix of exhaustion and maternal determination. I couldn’t help but wonder what chaos had unfolded.
Both girls halted their dance party and immediately began chanting, “No boys allowed! No boys allowed!” While I might have felt slighted in a different context, the look of disbelief on Alex’s face prompted me to take a step back.
You may be thinking that this isn’t how one would typically want to spend their quarantine. I get it. However, since the lockdown began, Alex and I have struggled to find safe, engaging activities for our kids that don’t involve endless screen time. Initially, I was okay with relaxing screen time limits to adapt to our new routine. But as the months dragged on and the kids started feeling cooped up, we needed fresh ideas.
To adapt, we began organizing slumber parties on weekends. Each week, we sought out a new location within our home. We camped out in the backyard, which was a highlight, especially after finally installing our long-awaited fire pit. We roasted marshmallows, shared stories, and enjoyed the essence of camping without the hassle of packing.
We even attempted sleeping on the trampoline, though I’ll admit it was hard on my back.
For those without outdoor space, the beauty of these sleepovers is their versatility. We’ve set up tents in the living room and have turned each child’s room into a slumber party zone. Honestly, we’re starting to run out of unique sleeping arrangements.
It’s essential to note that not the entire family has embraced the sleepover concept. While my daughters eagerly look forward to each event, my thirteen-year-old son is in that classic teenage phase where participation is a challenge. However, he did manage to fall asleep in the easy chair one night while we all watched a movie, which I’ll count as a win for family bonding.
These slumber parties have become a beacon of joy in an otherwise stressful time for our kids, bringing us closer together while providing something exciting in a world where much has been canceled.
Returning to the all-girls sleepover I mentioned earlier, I drifted off that night to the sounds of giggling. While I felt a twinge of exclusion, I also relished the comfort of my own bed. The next morning, Alex emerged from the bedroom looking a bit worse for wear, hinting at the fun that had taken place.
My daughters excitedly recounted their adventures, and in a moment of vulnerability, I admitted I was somewhat jealous. They exchanged glances, grinned, and declared, “Next weekend, it’s a dad-only sleepover.”
Alex shot me a half-smile that seemed to say, “Get ready.” I smiled back at my girls and agreed, knowing that they would soon be planning the next event. Wish me luck.
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Summary
Family sleepovers have emerged as a delightful way to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 lockdowns, fostering fun and togetherness while providing an escape from the monotony of daily life.