Planning a child's party can be one of the most challenging and stressful.
Even though keeping children entertained is not particularly challenging, all the other details including deciding who to invite, gathering RSVPs, dealing with shy children, and even receiving gifts can create a little apprehension when party planning.
Just as you would carefully plan an elegant dinner party for adults, a little pre-party planning can make your child's party run smoothly and without a glitch.
Here are a few simple steps and a bit of advice to help with those pre-party jitters and to help make your event run a bit more smoothly.
1.
Invites- Deciding who to invite to a child's party can be complicated, especially if that child is of school age.
The last thing you want is for another child to have hurt feelings because they were not invited to the party.
At the same time (this goes for a children who are a bit older), you never want your child to feel obligated to invite another classmate that may not be friendly to them.
As far as etiquette goes, it is best to go by this rule: If sending invites with your child to pass out at school, invite the entire class; otherwise, send invites through the mail directly to the invited children's' houses.
This way hurt feelings can be avoided by your child not passing out only a few invites at school recess.
2.
What about Sleepovers? If your child is at the age where you feel sleepovers are appropriate, consider that all parents might not feel the same way.
Better yet, other children just might not be ready yet to pack up their sleeping bags and stay all night.
If your child really wishes to have a sleepover (and you think it is a good idea, don't avoid it; just provide the kids an out.
For example, be sure to mention that the party is a sleepover however kids may also feel free to be picked up at a designated time.
This will give children who are not ready to spend the night a non embarrassing option to be picked up, say at 9 o'clock.
Also, for the children that are committed to spending the night, be sure to get a contact number for their parents because young children tend to get "homesick" once the lights go out.
3.
Present Time! For younger children, watching the birthday boy or girl open presents can be a challenging feat.
If you think kids will be gathered for a good time period simply watching your child opening gifts, consider giving them a distraction.
If you are planning on passing out goody-bags at the party, do so right before present time.
This will still allow for all the children to be gathered in one central area able to watch the birthday person opening their gifts, but will also provide them with a bit of distraction should they feel unable to keep their hands still and off of the birthday loot.
4.
Thank You Cards- There is a real lesson in having younger children learn the importance of writing and addressing thank you cards.
Teach them the value of gratitude and take the time to sit together and fill out thank you cards not only for any gifts received, but also for other's attendance to the party.
If your child is too young to write solo have them dictate to you their appreciation.
These simple steps can really help in turning out a great child's party.
The goal is for all who attend to have a fun and safe time.
With these pre-party preparations, a good time is sure to be had by all.