When it comes to celebrating birthdays, children usually are the ones who get very excited about it. As parents, we always want to provide the best for our children and sometimes planning the absolute best birthday party is a huge headache. While older kids normally have a rough idea on their mind, young kids aged around 4-6 do not have a specific idea about what kind of party they want. It can be quite a headache for the parents to plan one. Here are some useful tips.
Remember, every successful party has a theme. Sit down and discuss with your child about this and what is on their mind. You can include the current trend or their favorite color/animal/cartoon in the decorations or everyone attending will dress according to it. Allow them to choose their guests for the invitation cards. If they are attending pre-school, consider inviting his/her school mates and teachers other than relatives and neighbors. To save costs, you can design your own cards using a computer and get your child to help you. He’ll have fun playing with all the colors and designs! Try not to send last minute invitation cards in case people cannot make it.
When deciding on the activities, it’s important to choose games that can have a number of winners. Children want to have fun, and if they cannot win the games, they might get unhappy. Games like hide and seek where the finder gets the prize or musical chairs are suitable for children. The prizes can be something useful like notepads, coloring pads or stationery. Keep in mind that children love fancy and colorful objects.
As for food and beverages, finger food is the best! Children love junk food and snacks but as junk food is not healthy, try to avoid it. Snacks like dried fruits and vegetables or popcorn chicken are ideal finger food. Try to arrange the party in the late afternoon, after lunch so that it doesn’t disrupt the normal mealtime. Let your child choose their favorite birthday cake to share with their friends! To save time cleaning up after the party, try to use paper plates for the kids to enjoy their meal.
Goodies bags can be given out as a souvenir for children to bring home as a way of remembering your party and to thank them for coming. The contents of the bags can be a combination of candies or little gifts with thank-you cards attached.
On the party day itself, try to let things flow smoothly. You can ask for help from your relatives or neighbors to oversee the party so that you may enjoy the party and not get stressed up. After food is served and games are played, let the children gather around for present opening while you can start to clean up a little. It’s important to relax and have fun in parties!