Toddler Birthday Party Perils
June 30th, 2009
Throwing a party for a group of pre-schoolers can be a daunting experience. This article highlights the do’s and don’t of throwing a birthday party for young children.
The whole children’s birthday party process can be just as easy or as complicated as you’re willing to make it. Just remember a few simple rules for planning a children’s birthday party.
DO
- Be super organised, make a list of things to do and stick to it.
- Focus on the birthday boy or girl- create a time capsule by getting guests to bring things from that year/day-newspaper clippings, polaroids, tickets, drawings etc and have fun putting them into a suitable box which can be opened years from now.
- If you have the space, do the party at home-far less stressful and easy to arrange.
- Have organised games and activities-party games, crafts, dancing.depending on the age of your guests.
- Keep kids busy while waiting for all guests to arrive or while cutting cakes by providing activities or toys
- Order party ware and decorations well in advance or make your own.
- Prepare a space for the parents who are staying, provide a small selection of “grownup” snacks and coffee/tea. As a general rule…if the kids are under 6-parents stay.
- Enlist one or more “big people” (adults or responsible older children) to help you at the birthday party. You can’t be everywhere at once and their help will keep things running smoothly.
- Send out the date of the party well in advance and keep a RSVP list. I send out the date via email way in advance and ask people to diarise it.that way they have the date set aside before the invitations arrive.
- Have some spot remover on hand just in case. Don’t let an accident or spill ruin the party.
- Set the scene: parties are that much better if you create a fun and interesting venue for the kids to enjoy. This also gives you a theme for the activities and food.
DON’T!
- Promise prizes and forget to buy them. A friend did this once and her sons still remember and mention it!
- Try to do too many activities. Rather do a few really well.
- Invite everyone your child knows. Stick to favourite friends or those your child spends lots of time with.
- Don’t request specific toys-esp. brand toys incase kids don’t have them and risk them placing pressure on their parents or being left out.
Expect everyone to RSVP weeks before: set your RSVP date early and if some have missed it, give them a call and ask directly.
Remember, young guests will be excited…
There are bound to be mishaps. Try to keep your sense of humour, and know that even if every aspect of the party doesn’t go as planned, the most important thing that you and your child enjoy the day!
Tags: activities, birthday party, parental pressure, party games, party organisation, snacking
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