Organize a Stress Free Kids Party - wikiHow
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditFIRST: Assess what makes you and your child happy. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. They are in foreclosure right now probably from throwing all those overly elaborate parties. They may have had the most expensive party, but was it the most fun? Did the birthday boy or girl actually enjoy their day? Did mom look happy or was she screaming at the caterers? Evaluate what would make your child the happiest and what would allow you to enjoy this day instead of fretting and fussing.
Steps
- HOW TO HOST THE BEST PARTY FOR YOUR FAMILY & STAY SANE DOING IT!
- TIMING:Give yourself 2 months lead time if possible. Most party places book at least 2 months in advance and park reservations need to be made well ahead of time if you have chosen a popular park during the warmer months. If you have opted for a home party, you’ll need a little extra time to work out the details that party facilities will handle for you.
- NUMBER OF KIDS: I don’t know anyone who follows the year of the child+1 creed. Invite your family, include siblings if you can afford to. Moms and Dads have enough to juggle without hiring a sitter on party day. For kids under 5 keep the list to 10 kids under 5. Older siblings and cousins will have their own thing going on and this will provide about 20 adults, which is a nice amount of friends that you will have time to mingle with. If you can enjoyably mingle with 40 adults go for it. You are a stronger woman than I, but don’t do it to show off. You’ll just exhaust yourself and end up crying in your punch bowl. Send out a save the date 2 months out and then an invite 1 month ahead. If you use Evite and don’t get a response, be sure to call personally. Not everyone is computer savvy.
- LOCATION:I think the best parties cater to the whole family, not just the children. Don’t make Grandma & Grandpa drive 3 hours and then have to sit on a kid bench. Plan what will be fun for the birthday child and fun for the adults too. I hear so many parents talk about the dreaded parties they have to go to each weekend. Make them EXCITED to come to yours. If you choose the park, bring comfy chairs for your guests. For a home party, make sure you have ample seating and room to move around. For a party place, visit the facility and take a tour. If your party is mostly kids, go for the crazy kid play park, but if you have younger children and the number of adults will outweigh the kids, make sure you account for this in you choice of location.
- FOOD:Keep the food simple. Provide your child’s favorite dish , order some pizzas, and have some healthy fruit and veggie platters. If extended family is coming and you have some favorite family dishes by all means cook it up. It will be a nice gesture, but again, don’t make this your focal point. Your focal point is your little one’s big day and he or she will want your full attention. They won’t want to share with a plate of flautas.
- DECOR:I see parents spend WAYYYY too much on decorations that the children never even notice. If your child wants a Dora party, get her Dora plates, pink and orange balloons and a Dora cake. In her memory, she had a completely Dora themed party. She’s only paying attention while she is eating. The rest of the time she will be busy playing.
- GOODY BAGS: Again I say use caution. I hate seeing 100 baggies of small plastic toys that will just end up in a landfill. Pick one thing that fits your theme and make it special. For my son’s train party I got the kids train hats with their names on them. The best way is to integrate having the kids make the favors. Have them paint a shirt, plant a flower, decorate a bouncy ball etc.. They will cherish their work and have fun making it too.
- ENTERTAINMENT: Pick ONE. If you are having your party at a park, the play is mostly taken care of. To mark the special occasion setup one structured activity that makes the day special. There are plenty of books at the library with party games, or here are a few sites I found that have great games. Piñatas are always a hit, just don't get hit with the bat. If you are having a home party I would suggest a few more structured activities. Otherwise your hose becomes “The “Park” and could suffer some serious damage. Keep the kids playing party games and your home will survive. If you rent a party place, your bases are covered. You have already provided the activities and for the most part you do not need to spend on extra entertainment. You just did that. If you really want to have a clown, face painting, a singer, or have “Dora” show up check with the facility hosting your party. They should be able to get you a much better deal on added entertainment because they have deals with most party entertainers.
- BUDGET:If you plan on providing entertainment treats, & a full meal for each guest you are looking at between 10-20 dollars a head. Times are tough these days and take into account what you can truly afford. You may find that an all inclusive party place will cost the same of a fully catered home party. The park party may cost the least but require the most logistical preparation and Mother Nature does not always look out for you. Do you have more money or more time? Can you let someone else handle all the details, or will you prefer to be included in all aspects? Be be honest with yourself and you’ll choose the best kind of party to celebrate your little one’s big day.
- DON'T MISS YOUR OWN PARTY!: Here's my biggest point. These tips are not for the most elaborate party EVER!!! They are tips to help you remember what is most important. You gave birth, you adopted, you “helped”. In some manner you have a child and you kept them alive and well for the most part) and you deserve to celebrate. It's your party too and I want you to really enjoy your day and connect with how amazing being a parent is.
- P.S: Let them eat cake, and for the one-year-olds,-let them MASH cake. You'll have that moment to remember for a lifetime :)
Tips
- If you decide to let a professional handle it all for you and you live in the Bay Area, please visit my website www.sadiedeyscafe.com. We offer full service, budget friendly party packages. Our Party HOTLINE number is: 510-459-3811
Susan Older-Mondeel is the founder of SadieDey's Cafe, a play cafe in Oakland, CA . Sue wanted a community place where she could enjoy her children and enjoy herself, preferably with a strong coffee in hand. Where was this common ground for children and the weary adults who love them? Well it was in her head and in her heart and now at 4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland CA. Check it out at http://www.sadiedeyscafe.com/ or call 510-601-REST (7378) SadieDey's Cafe-You've gotta eat, Kids gotta play!
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