Hosting a Child's Celebration
Children's birthday parties can be happy memory-makers or the stuff of parents' nightmares. The proof is in the planning.We have had at-home theme parties (from princesses to spaceships, from dalmatians to dinosaurs, and from undersea adventures to circus big-tops), as well as sited events (at gyms, skating rinks, fire stations, and more).
Frankly, our family's very best parties have been those we hosted in our own home. Even the preparations were fun productions!
Here's what we have learned, from our plentiful parties:
No Surprises!
Never attempt to throw a surprise party for a young child. It simply is a bad idea. For a little boy or girl, most of the fun is in the anticipation of his or her big party! Plus, most kids cannot keep a secret, so the party is not likely to be a surprise anyway. Someone is bound to blab.
Count Your Guests Carefully.
The old rule of thumb is this: The birthday child should be allowed to invite one young guest for each year of his/her age. (A five year old might invite five friends.) We have found this to be a suitable guideline.
Of course, you might bend this rule either way, depending on your planned activities. (Also, you can plan on having about 10 percent no-shows!)
Select Your Site
At-home birthday parties are gaining in popularity again. Although these take a bit more planning and effort, they can be the most memorable of all.
Certainly, successful parties can be held at local pizza parlors, bowling alleys, roller rinks, gymnastics facilities, swimming pools, activity centers, zoos and even county parks. Reserve your date early!
Pick a Party Theme
Using the birthday child's favorites, pick a theme for the day. Underwater adventures, island luaus, superheroes, cowboys, jungle animals, space travels, and dinosaurs are popular ideas.
Adapt traditional party games, or make up your own, to fit the theme. (We have played Pin-the-Patch-on-the-Pirate, Ring Around the Rhino, Clown Concentration, Princess Pictionary, and many other themed games.)
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