| How do you plan a children's birthday | | | | being made. |
| party... and still remain sane? | | | | Ok, it's now time to get ready for the |
| Relax, don't panic and keep it as simple | | | | party! You've decided on the party |
| as possible is the answer. | | | | theme and how many guests will be |
| Kids don't care if the room has been | | | | invited... Now the preparations and fun |
| vacuumed and cleaned. Think about it | | | | begin! |
| for a moment, kid's will make the | | | | Don't forget to keep your birthday kid |
| tidiest of room's look like a disaster | | | | involved whenever possible. Get them to |
| zone within minutes of turning up. They | | | | suggest party game ideas, then choose |
| won't care whether the table napkins | | | | the decorations and food together. |
| match or what time it is!... all they | | | | Feeling relaxed? Hope so, because |
| will want to do is have fun, play games | | | | organizing a kid birthday party should |
| and eat lots of goodies! | | | | be fun for everyone! |
| So, what's the best way to ensure that | | | | Allocate a budget for the party and |
| your child's birthday party is one to | | | | decide whether you hire a professional |
| remember? (at least until the next party | | | | entertainer or enlist the help of |
| invitation arrives!) | | | | friends and neighbors? Don't be afraid |
| Firstly, take a little time to think | | | | to ask a friend to help clear empty |
| about the party theme. Will it be an | | | | dishes, run a game or two and even take |
| outing to the local burger house, a trip | | | | the some party photos. |
| to an amusement park or will you have a | | | | Set a time for the party. Two or three |
| theme party at home. With sufficient | | | | hours should be plenty of time. If the |
| forward planning, you won't be losing | | | | children are under 5 years old, then one |
| any sleep worrying about the party. | | | | and half hours should be time enough. |
| Make a list of who is coming to the | | | | One great tip is to hold a toddler party |
| party? The general rule of thumb is to | | | | in the morning, as youngsters tend to |
| invite as many guests as you feel | | | | get a bit "cranky" when they get tired! |
| comfortable catering for. | | | | Plan your party games in 15-20 minute |
| Ask the birthday child what they would | | | | intervals. If you find the kids are |
| like to do. Don't be tempted to pressure | | | | happy playing a particular game let them |
| them into having the sort of party YOU | | | | carry on... why spoil their fun? On the |
| would like... it is their special day | | | | other hand plan more activities than you |
| after all! Once you have decided on a | | | | think you will need. Some games may be |
| theme, then the party activities to keep | | | | greeted with a "groan" and you may well |
| the kids happy become a priority. Many | | | | need to play another game sooner than |
| traditional games can be adapted to fit | | | | you expected. |
| just about any party theme. | | | | Send out your birthday party invitations |
| If the party is to at the local | | | | 2 to 3 weeks in advance of the party |
| restaurant, go along and speak to the | | | | date, then make a follow-up confirmation |
| manager to agree the food menu and leave | | | | phone calls after about a week. People |
| the rest to them. An outing to the | | | | tend to be very busy nowadays and a |
| amusement park or zoo may require | | | | small invitation can get easily |
| additional party planning, with | | | | forgotten, usually under a mountain of |
| transport being just one item needing | | | | junk-mail! |
| consideration. Many of these venues have | | | | Don't spend more time or energy than |
| party facilities available so all you | | | | necessary on things that don't really |
| need to provide is the children and a | | | | matter. When organising the party food |
| credit card to pay the bill. | | | | keep snacks plain and simple. Remember |
| If the party is to be at home, then | | | | that kids love eating food with their |
| selecting a theme can be fun. Whether | | | | fingers and your party day could be a |
| it's Pirates, Finding Nemo or Dora the | | | | great day to let them do just that! |
| Explorer... this is your opportunity to | | | | Buy an undecorated cake from your local |
| get creative! | | | | baker and decorate it yourself, making a |
| With so many character theme party goods | | | | terrific party theme cake... or get the |
| available, the choice is endless. If | | | | bakers to make a completely finished |
| you're planning to hold the party | | | | themed birthday cake! |
| outdoors, it would be a good idea to | | | | Finally, imagine that the big day is |
| have at least one room inside your home | | | | here and your first guest arrives for |
| decorated, in case of rain. Try to limit | | | | your child's birthday party. Stay calm, |
| the party activities to pre-designated | | | | keep a good sense of humor and enjoy the |
| party areas (as much as possible), so | | | | precious party time with your guests. |
| you are able to relax and enjoy the | | | | Above all, keep the party flowing and |
| party without worrying about the mess | | | | let the children set the pace. |