| Being a kid only happens once in a lifetime. We were | | | | storybook character motif to a pajama party, |
| all kids once. Remember? At the time we had some | | | | uniformity brings a sense of belonging. There are so |
| pretty simple wishes. From toys to parties we mainly | | | | many theme ideas from which to choose. You are |
| just wanted to have fun. We weren't concerned about | | | | limited only by your and your child's imagination. Just |
| responsibility or doing our chores. Of course our | | | | make sure your theme is one your child wants, not |
| parents were, but they wanted us to have fun, too, | | | | what just you want. Such consideration shows you |
| and on occasion would arrange some kids parties for | | | | care. |
| us. However, now it's our turn to plan some parties for | | | | Insure the party a contingency plan - There may be |
| our kids. So then, here are some kids party planning | | | | unexpected episodes that can happen during the party |
| suggestions that will reflect your care for your children: | | | | itself. For example prepare the house as well as the |
| Give yourselves ample time - Time is required for a | | | | yard for your party, so that unpredictable weather |
| party to be well-organized. From food to props to | | | | won't spoil your party. Also, prepare back-up games |
| games, there are many things that make a party | | | | and activities in case something you thought would be |
| enjoyable. It should be a magical day for your child, so | | | | great just is boring the kids. A little extra planning again |
| don't short-change it, thinking, "It doesn't matter. It's just | | | | shows you care. |
| a kids party." Rather, think how much your child means | | | | Prepare good food choices - No kids party is |
| to you, so give yourself time to plan and do it right. | | | | complete without food. Kids love such treats, but also |
| Brainstorm - Ask other parents for their ideas. The | | | | be health conscious. Recognize that some kids act out |
| more suggestions you get gives you more options, | | | | or become overly aggressive if they eat only sweets. |
| ideas and possible activities that will make your party | | | | So provide some nutritious options as well. This shows |
| magical for your child. | | | | you care for all the kids involved. |
| Involve the child - Get suggestions from your child. | | | | Have something for everyone - A little gift goodie bag |
| Also, allow your child to decorate, make invitations and | | | | full of trinkets, small toys, gadgets or crafts prepared |
| help you in organizing the event. By doing this your child | | | | for each child will make all your little guests feel special. |
| will truly feel that it is his/her party. | | | | Be sure to take pictures and videos - Of course you |
| Also, involve the whole family, including other children - | | | | will want to have a permanent record of the party |
| Having everyone help will give your children a feeling | | | | yourself. So record all those cute moments of your |
| of togetherness, and if the party is specifically for one | | | | child and his/her little buddies. Years later both you and |
| child, then he or she will gain a secure feeling that | | | | your children will enjoy seeing these videos. However, |
| everyone in the family cares enough to help him or her. | | | | you can also show the videos to the children near the |
| Schedule activities for the event - Have an activity and | | | | end of the party and the pictures can later be used or |
| time plan so your guests have something to do from | | | | included in thank you notes. |
| the moment they arrive until they leave the party. Of | | | | Properly planned and hosted, your child's party will bring |
| course kids love to just play, and "scheduling" just "play | | | | your child a lot of joy, not just because they had fun, |
| time" as part of the program is OK. But kids also love | | | | but also due to the deeper sense of security it can |
| games so schedule some fun kids games that will | | | | impart by their knowing that your extra effort is |
| keep the kids involved. | | | | evidence of your care for them. So then, let your kids |
| Select a theme - kids love party themes! From a child's | | | | party planning be an expression of your love. |