A New Party Trend for Kids Not Ready for Sleepovers

When I was a kid I loved sleepovers, you got to keep playing even though the day was over. My kids were the same, every chance they got for a sleepover, either at our house or at a friend's, they were all over that.

Most kids feel the same and love sleepovers. They get to stay up way past their bedtime and hang out with their friends. However, there are some kids who feel nervous about spending the night away from home. I remember a few times that my kids' friends asked my wife and me to call their parents because they got a little anxious. Some would have their parents come to pick them up that night, sometimes very late.

My neighbor who has young children mentioned something that their son was recently invited to. They have a kid who isn't quite ready to spend the night at a friend's house, and it's the perfect alternative and compromise. It's called a “sleepunder.”

A “sleepunder” gives kids the opportunity to have all the fun of a sleepover with all of the same perks but without actually having to sleep over. The kids still do the same things they’d do at any other slumber party, they eat all kinds of things and play all kinds of games. They get to watch movies in their pajamas as if it's an actual sleepover, but there's no anxiety because they know they're being picked up before it's time to go to sleep.

Pick-up can be as early as 9:00 or as late as midnight or 1:00. It's whatever works for your child, they'll actually sleep so they're not cranky the next day and the same goes for the parents. This can also be especially appealing to kids who may be bedwetters or have a medical condition where the parent isn't comfortable with an all-nighter yet.

There are no set rules, you can cater the "sleepunder" any way that works best for everyone. If you need help, Parents.com shows you how to host your very own "sleepunder."

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.