Children's parties can be more fun than adult parties. You don't need to be too serious and you can also bring out your own childish side. Plus, at the end of the day when the kids' energy has subsided and they're falling asleep, you're there, lying next to them, and falling asleep too!
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Method 1 of 2: Planning Party Basics
Step 1. Choose a theme with your child
While it may seem unnecessary, a theme will help you decide which decorations to buy, what food to serve, and what games to plan. Character parties are very popular (like Sponge Bob or Scooby-Doo), but the general theme is great too (pirates, fairies, princesses, cowboys, etc). Unless your child wants an inappropriate theme, give them some creative freedom. Sit at the table with your child with pen and paper, write down all the ideas that you and your child like.
Some themes will be more difficult than others. Take your child to a party supply store and see what's available or visit an online party store. It will be very easy if you choose a theme based on what you have. Most parents are not like Martha Stewart, you certainly don't have to push yourself
Step 2. Determine what is important
There are several questions you must answer: When will the party take place? How long? Where? Will there be religious or cultural celebrations that might prevent other children from attending? What hours can fit into your schedule?
Also take into account the age of your child. Generally, the smaller it is, the earlier the party will take place. You don't have to party all day, a few hours is more than enough. If you're not hosting it at home, check with the venue you want the party to be to find out when it's available
Step 3. Create an invitation (one that matches the theme
). Once you've decided on the date and time, it's time to finalize the details. Check your schedule to ensure that there are no children's activities or work meetings during the time you choose. In the invitation, write the start and end time of the party, the address, what to bring the children (eg swimsuits) and if there is food so parents can plan ahead.
- As for guests, the general rule is your child's age plus 1. And if parents can come, great! It's good to have a few adults around to help keep an eye on the kids and clean up.
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Customize the invitation with the theme of the party. The other kids might get excited too. Your child can give the invitation at school (if you can do it discreetly) or you can give it to the parents if your child is too young (or forgets easily!).
Your child should not give an invitation in front of an uninvited child, it may upset them. Give the teacher an invitation to pass on to other children or have your child put it on the desk or locker
Step 4. Buy decorations
For everything from tablecloths to party decorations, you can find them at party supply stores. Otherwise you'll be pacing around town for days buying everything. And if the store doesn't have something specific, ask! They may be able to order it for you.
There is always the option of making your own decorations if you are skilled enough with the craft. And your child can always help if you want someone to blame if things don't go well! As an alternative, some of the other kids can come sooner to make their own decorations, if they want
Method 2 of 2: Planning Activities and Meals
Step 1. Plan some games
This is the most important part of a good kids party, so start thinking about craft projects, looking for entertainment rentals, or taking advantage of outdoor facilities. Look for rentals or party venues near you in the phone book or online. For younger children, set a loose schedule to make the event run smoothly.
- Don't be afraid to create a highly orientated party. If you want a West Wild party, place a pot of gold in the sandbox. Organize the hunt with clues related to the theme and prepare the grand prize.
- Don't be afraid to make a very simple party. These days, kids are no longer playing the old games that they could actually do. Instead of having them all gathered in front of the Wii, make them play Capture the Flag, Red Rover, Blind Man's Bluff, or the relay race.
- For older children, allow more free time. The older the child, the simpler the party will be. Children prefer to do their own activities every now and then. If they do, don't stress. That means more free time for you and other parents!
Step 2. Create interactive gifts
Instead of giving them a bag of little toys they'll only play with for three minutes and then stash in a drawer, get them to make their own! Children will feel more involved and part of the party.
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They can make t-shirts painted with potatoes, simple masks, accessories, fishing rods, badges, and more. It takes a bit of thought, but the results will be worth it.
You can set this to be the first activity, so the kids who arrive early can keep themselves busy while waiting for the others. Any children who arrive late can take home the necessary equipment if they wish
- Let the children bring home decorations and decorations. This is an easy and quick idea if you're hosting a party with a common theme, like princesses or balls. And it also means less work to do!
Step 3. Plan a party meal
One thing will always be the same at a party: cake. Are you going to bake your own or buy one? One or two? You can also prepare a cup cake as it is easy and super trendy. Either way, you'll need to order or purchase cake ingredients well in advance. Make the food fit the theme too!
- But cake alone is not enough. You need food too. Go easy on yourself and order a pizza. You can also ask a fast food restaurant or catering company to take care of everything. Sandwiches, fruit and pastries are also good choices.
- When it's sunny and you have a grill, kids love hot dogs and hamburgers. Don't forget the bread, mustard and ketchup!
- If parents or other adults come and watch over the children, provide food for them too. They may not be so interested in chicken nuggets and Sprites.
Step 4. Plan a party drink
Soda, lemonade and juice are pretty standard. And if the party is mostly outdoors, a cooler filled with water bottles or cans of soda will certainly be much appreciated, especially when the weather is hot. And of course, milk goes well with cake. If the weather is cold, invite the children to play outside and when you come back, provide fruit juice to warm them.
Prepare glasses (and cutlery in general) that are safe for children to use. The utensils can break, so don't break your finest porcelain. Get ready for chaos
Step 5. Plan a goodbye
Give parents your phone number in case they are going to be late, too early, or send someone else to pick up their child. Set up a protocol for the safety of each child.
When each child comes home, make notes. Have them say goodbye to everyone, collect their belongings, party favors, and mentally cross their lists. Never let children go home alone or with adults you don't know
Tips
- Plan for more games than you have time. Small children get bored quickly and spend very little time in one game.
- You can hang painted Styrofoam balls from the ceiling or on a tree for an space-themed party (use acrylic paint or spray paint), spray gold on the pebbles for a pirate party (kids can look for gold all around the yard) or You can buy silk butterflies, and stick them on walls, trees, and fences for little girl parties. Think of all the things you can do for a theme, and implement them.
- Organize an activity at the start of the party that allows any new arrivals to join right away. Very good crafts. They can make masks for themselves, decorate hats, or just color them.
- If you're having a themed party, create a plot. For example, for a car-themed party, prepare the toy cars that have been disassembled so they can find a "tool" to fix the car. It's an easy way to set goals without competition.
- If you're planning an outdoor game, also prepare a simple indoor game or two, just in case it rains.
- Spread some beach balls around your yard, it will keep the little ones and babies busy and entertained.
- If you want, you can arrange several different games at a time, and the kids won't get bored. It will be like a mini carnival, and they can choose what games they want to play.
- You can set up the game the night before the party, so it will be ready on the day of the party.
Warning
- Make sure beforehand whether any of the guests have food allergies.
- If you're having a party for young children, and a baby is coming, make sure the gifts and games in the gift bag are safe and won't be swallowed by them.
- Competitive play may irritate younger children. Let everyone be the winner at some point.
