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PARTY TIPS #1 --The number-one party tip recommended was involving the children in party planning and preparation. Surprises are fun, but the kids like to get involved in planning, and this is a time when the kids are motivated to be especially helpful.
Let them plan the theme, location, guest list, menu, games, etc.
They can help fill loot bags, blow up balloons, decorate, even help
"childproof," "crowd proof" or straighten the house.
#2 -- Party Basics -- The second most frequently mentioned tip
from experienced party moms is to make the party manageable. It's
tempting to invite the whole second grade class for the afternoon,
but you'll likely regret it.
#3 -- Popular Themes -- What's in a theme? According to
company research, one third of kids' parties have a theme.
Many of the most popular themes are kids' favorite
characters from the entertainment world.
"Sports and dinosaurs continue to be classic kids'
party themes,"
#4Scavenger hunt birthday parties. As children
get older, make the hunt more challenging
and expanded beyond the yard to the
neighborhood."
#5Always have back up plans, like rainy day
alternative location and activities if you're
having a party in the yard.
Some good fall-back games mentioned were
variations on simple games, such as spud,
hot potato (or whatever you can find to toss
-- "hot pillow" or "hot tennis ball"),
limbo, teaching the kids line dances, Simon
Sez, or even rename duck-duck goose to match
the theme.
#6 -- Beware of Sleep-overs -- Sleep-overs?
All agreed that sleep-overs are a
challenge. For those under age 10,
carefully consider the viability of making
it through the evening without midnight
calls to "pick me up, I want to come
home." For pre-teens (though not their
parents), sleep-overs seem to have become
the party of choice. Sleep-over tips
included being in touch with the guests'
parents and being very specific about
sleep time rules, or they never will.
Older children may enjoy a summertime tent
camp-out party in the back yard.
#7 -- Party Destinations -- Taking the
party outside the home. Popular
destinations include roller and ice
rinks, local parks, recreation centers
or swimming pools. Outings such as laser
tag, sporting events, entertainment
complexes and other commercial
destinations are popular and fun, but
pricey.
#8 -- Thank You -- Party etiquette was
another subject commented on by many.
"Thank you for the gift... for coming
to my party" thank you notes are
important social skill builders.
Children actually enjoy writing thank
you cards when they have fun note
cards.
#9 -- Their Special Day -- Whether
with a party or not, the object of
the day is to make your child feel
special. Alternative birthday
celebrations include special
rituals, such as birthday plates,
breakfasts, dinners or birthday cake
with grandma, measuring to see how
much they've grown, reminiscing
about "the day you were born" or
previous parties over photo albums
or by watching videos of younger
years.
#10 -- Keeper Cards -- Certainly a
greeting card that tells children
how special they are and are
important keepsake reminder for
them of the day. Birthdays
give families the chance to let
the child know how precious he or
she is to them. And children love
to get cards as much as adults do.
My children love to save their
cards as keepsakes of the day.
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