The first few times your child spends the night away from home, have a backup plan -- in case he gets homesick or proves to be a handful for the host. Obviously, you'll want to leave a phone number where you can be reached, and make arrangements to be accessible so that you can quickly come to the rescue if necessary. In any case, make sure your child understands that you will not be disappointed or angry if she decides at 2 a.m. that it's time to come home.

Don't assume that your child will be able to convey any anxiousness she might be having. Share the particulars of your child's routines, especially those associated with bedtime, with the other parents. A host who understands children's habits and comfort levels will find it easier to calm them or otherwise intervene.

Know your child's special needs, and share them

Taking ADD medication on schedule can mean the difference between a great overnight sleepover and a disaster. If your child will need to take medication during the stay, provide the host with clear, written instructions. Mention special dietary concerns as well. Some parents put together booklets containing all the information a host might need about their children. In addition to doctors' phone numbers and relevant medical information, the booklet might include details about a child's personality quirks, how she typically responds in various situations, and the discipline strategies that usually work best. Be clear about the situations in which you would like to be called. For example, do you expect a phone call if your child is unable to settle in for the night? Or if he sustains a very minor injury?