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Yes, there is a little work involved with planning a birthday
party at home for your child but it’s worth every second
when you see that huge smile on their face. They will remember
that special day for many, many years to come, and it will always
bring a smile to their face as they remember that Spiderman or
Princess party.
This doesn't mean spending a lot of money or planning an over
indulgent party, but rather spending your energy and time planning
a birthday party your child will love and always remember.
A child’s birthday party should be fun for everyone.
Plan the party with your child. This may seem obvious, but give
it some thought. It should be their day, so he/she should share
in all aspects of the party planning.
Even a two year old can tell you whether he wants Bob the Builder
or Buzz Lightyear. Offer the birthday child some choices. Ask
them what they would prefer to serve. Do you want to serve nutella
sandwiches or fairy bread at your birthday party? Do you want
your birthday cake to be chocolate or strawberry? It will do wonders
for their self-esteem and make your child feel involved in the
process of planning their birthday party.
Both the planning and the party should be fun for both you and
your child. Start by planning ahead and preparing for unexpected
birthday catastrophes. Then select age appropriate party foods,
games and activities, it’s fun, enjoy it, they’re
only young once.
And remember, a young child's favourite character may change
often.
It’s a good idea to choose the party theme around about
a month before the actual party date.
Party Planning by Age
Age 1-2 Years
Toddlers are too young to enjoy organised games. Just having
enough toys around for everyone should keep them happy. Short
and sweet is the key for this age group. Try to keep the party
short, lasting no more than 90 minutes. Stick to people your
child is familiar with and schedule the party for a time when
you know the toddler will be in a good mood. Eating a piece
of birthday cake and playing with wrapping paper will be the
extent of your toddler’s party games. Be prepared for
toddler tantrums, especially when struggles break out over the
birthday gifts. Parents recommend opening presents at the very
end of the party, handing out favors at the same time so everyone
gets something at once. Make sure that all gifts are identical
and that items are safe. Be sure to stock up on film. Photos
will be your child's only way to remember this landmark event.
Age 3-4 years
Kids of this age absolutely love theme parties. So make sure
you choose a theme that reflects your child's current interest
(Barbie, Spiderman, Wiggles, etc.) and decorate the room and
cake accordingly. Free playtime is still the best mode, although
simple games are appropriate, too. Have enough game ideas ready
so that if one doesn’t interest them you can go on to
the next one. Usually, the best time of day is mid-afternoon,
when kids have had their lunch and a nap and are in a good mood.
Avoid lunchtime parties at all costs, kids will be tired and
hungry, but too excited to eat and rampant crankiness will be
the result. Around about an hour of play followed by the cake
and gift opening is all kids want at this stage. And getting
a "goody bag" is a highlight for these little one’s.
Make sure that all gifts are identical and that items are safe.
Children this age are quite possessive, so make sure that favors
can be kept close at hand. Personalised favors are also another
good idea. The birthday cake is a highlight, that’s what
kids tend to remember the most, so make sure that it ties in
with the theme.
Age 5-6
Parties definitely need to be more structured at this age.
Theme parties are still very popular however, they need a lot
more entertaining.
Games are increasingly the favourite activity, but simple arts
and crafts projects are also a good alternative. Again, have more
options than you'll have time for as some activities will be more
popular than others and kids this age have extremely short attention
spans.
Try to keep the competitive games to a minimum, and be prepared
to break up squabbles and console the so called losers. Avoid
competitive games if possible. If you do decide to play competitive
games make sure that you also have prizes for losers as well as
winners.
This is also the age where entertainers such as professional
clowns or magicians are really popular.
Also, remember to keep the food simple and easy to eat. They
still love cake, ice cream and jelly so maybe add some savoury
foods like sandwiches, pizzas or sausage rolls.
Age 7-10 Years
This age group loves themed parties, party favors and games linked
to the theme. They will want to invite the whole class, so make
sure you are firm about limiting the Guest List. Because children
this age love games, try to make sure that there are enough players.
She/he will love planning activities for the party. They are not
as fussy with their food, so you can experiment and try different
things.
The 2 Hour Birthday Party Plan
So, the day has finally arrived and the party is about to begin,
what happens now. Firstly, learn how to relax, be flexible and
have a great time. Following are some basic guidelines on how
to manage a typical two-hour kids' party. Of course, all plans,
including this one, need to be flexible to adapt to the age
and the mood of the party goers.
00:00 – 00:15: The Birthday Party Starts
Here come the kids. Some will arrive early and some may even
arrive late. Think of a simple game or activity as an ice-breaker
to get everyone involved the minute they arrive. This is a good
time to explain any rules of the house and to set the boundaries
(e.g. which rooms are off limits).
00:15 – 00:45: Party Ice Breaker
Plan for free time to allow your guests to get acquainted and
get in the swing of things. The younger the party guests, the
longer this period should be.
00:45 – 01:15: Time for Party Games
Party games should be age–appropriate and, if possible,
non–competitive with plenty of prizes for everyone. Plan
more games than you'll have time to play. If one's a dud, just
move on to the next.
01:15 – 01:35: Time for the Birthday Cake
Kids won't stay at the party table longer then 20 minutes,
so make it quick!
01:35 – 01:55: Open the Birthday Gifts
The end of the party is the best time for opening presents.
It minimizes party guest envy and it allows you to keep better
track of what came from whom. This is a good time to pass out
the party favor bags, so everyone gets something.
01:55 – 02:00: Party Guest Pick-up Time
The party will be almost over at this point. Your job is to help
locate coats and make sure each guest leaves with their party
favors.
- Party Tip:
Have all food prepared and set out in easy reach of the
children so that you can concentrate on keeping the party
running smoothly and keeping everyone happy.
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