The Ultimate Teen Slumber Party: Where Fun Meets Faith
I’m the mom who seems to have a knack for turning every day into a mini-adventure, even if it’s just a trip to the grocery store that somehow ends with a van full of teenagers headed to Galveston. I can’t resist a good spur-of-the-moment “plan,” and honestly, I think I might be the one enjoying the spontaneity the most. If there’s noise, laughter, and a bit of mayhem, you can bet I’m right in the middle of it—probably trying to figure out how we’re all going to fit in one car.
But at the heart of it all is a love for creating spaces where relational connections and adventures with God can happen.
When my daughter and her friends were younger, we had epic water balloon wars. But now that she’s a teenager, I’m excited about the new adventures we can have with her friends—one of which I discovered this summer during her sleepovers at our house.
Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that not everyone is comfortable with sleepovers. As the wife of a biblical counselor, I completely understand and respect your caution and decision. This post is about sharing fun and meaningful ways to connect with your teens and their friends, whether it’s at a sleepover or another type of gathering.
One new space I’ve started to create in the morning is the opportunity for my teen and her friends to connect with God through a devotional. When they wake up, I invite them for a frappuccino, we read a portion of scripture together, and then talk about it. It’s amazing how much teens are willing and wanting to open up about what’s happening in their lives and what’s important to them. The reason I call this the ultimate sleepover is that there are no greater adventures for teen girls than connecting with God, experiencing the awe of knowing Him more, and realizing He is calling them to higher places with Him.
So, next time you have a sleepover for your teens, consider leading them into a new level of adventure and friendship by connecting with God together in the morning. Some of you may have led countless devotions and don’t need tips—this blog might simply inspire you to do with your teens and their friends what you already do in your other communities. But for those who would like some simple ideas on how to get started, here are a few practical tips:
Practical Tips for Connecting with Your Teen Daughter and Her Friends
Pick Your Atmosphere. You might want to be in a cozy atmosphere at home or load them up and go to a local coffee shop or bakery.
Identify a Passage to Read Together. Choose a passage in the Bible that is relatable and interesting for teens. It doesn't have to be long or complicated. The key is to find something that sparks conversation and reflection. You can use a short passage of scripture, or a devotional book aimed at teens, or join me in simply having them jump in on where you and your family are in your daily devotional.
DIY Frappuccino Bar. Set up a DIY frappuccino bar with various syrups, toppings, and whipped cream. Let the girls customize their drinks. This not only adds a fun element but also gives them a chance to express their creativity. Now, for those of you who know me, you know I do not do DIY. So if you are like me, just throw them in the car and go to a coffee shop together... LOL!
Encourage Open Dialogue. Create an environment where the girls feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions related to the passage. Listen actively and enter into their world. It's amazing how much teens are willing and wanting to talk about their lives and what is important to them.
Community Challenge
To all the moms out there, let's create spaces where our teens can connect with each other and with God. Let's make our homes places of adventure, laughter, and deep conversations. Next time you plan a sleepover, try incorporating some of these ideas and see how it transforms the experience for your daughter and her friends.
Teen gatherings can be more than just a night of fun and games. They can be opportunities for building deeper relationships and creating lasting memories. By being intentional about the activities and the environment, we can help our teens connect with each other and with God in meaningful ways. So, let's embrace the noise, the laughter, and the joy of creating these special moments for our kids.
