Happy children running amidst balloons and confetti come to mind at the mention of a child's birthday party. Getting to that happy scene takes the coordination of several party planning elements. However you go about planning the party, keep the goal in mind. The birthday party is meant to honor the young birthday child and ensure he has a memorable birthday. Does this Spark an idea?
Plan Early
With so many details to coordinate, starting early is a must for a successful party. Start your preparations at least one month before the date. This gives you ample time to make all of the decisions, purchase the supplies and send out the invitations.
Budget
Set a budget as you begin the planning process. Many parents want to create a memorable experience for their kids. More is not always better for a young child's birthday party. Determine a budget that you can comfortably afford and stick to it.
Themes
Choosing a theme for the child's birthday celebration guides the selection of many of the party elements. Plan the decorations, games, food and party favors around the theme to create an exciting and child-friendly party environment. Common birthday party themes include a favorite character, television show, animals, hobbies or activities. Look to your child for inspiration. Consider his favorite activities and entertainment.
Scheduling
Planning a party during nap time is a recipe for temper tantrums. A morning party is often best for avoiding nap time. An early afternoon party that starts around 1 p.m. means you can get away without serving a full meal. Consider your own child's schedule when setting the time for the party.
Guest List
Choose the guests carefully. A good rule of thumb is to add one to the child's age to determine how many other kids to invite. If your child is turning 4 years old, she should invite up to five other children. Consider the location of the party and your personal ability to handle large groups of children.
Entertainment
Plan a variety of age-appropriate activities to keep the young guests entertained. If most of the kids are the same age, it is easier to select entertainment options they can all enjoy and handle. Common party entertainment for young kids includes games, pinatas, crafts, coloring pages, and cookie or cupcake decoration. Arrange the activities into different stations so the kids can spread out. Have an adult at each activity station to provide instructions and guidance.
Location
Choose a location that fits your budget and party plans. Home parties allow the most freedom in terms of food and decorations, but the limited space is a problem for a large party. Parks, zoos, children's play areas or a party room offer more space if you have a large guest list. Many of the popular locations for children's parties also have built-in entertainment options.
Food
Plan party food that is easy for young kids to eat. Finger foods such as sandwiches, hot dogs and pizza are usually a hit for kids. Consider how messy a particular food is before adding it to the menu. Many kids don't eat a lot with all of the party excitement. If you invite adults to the party, consider the types of food they will enjoy as well. Some public venues may limit outside food, so check their policies first.
Decorations & Favors
Decorations add to the excitement of the birthday party. Balloons, streamers and confetti are common decorations. Consider the theme of the party when choosing the decorations. If the party is held away from home, ask the venue about restrictions on decorations. Many don't allow confetti or other messy decorations. Favors add to the decorations and provide the guests with a thank-you gifts as they leave. Choose favors that are appropriate for the age of the kids.
Enlist Help
Birthday parties for young kids require a lot of work. Expect to be exhausted at the end of the day. Enlisting the help of your friends and family members makes the day run more smoothly. Don't forget to enjoy the party yourself after all of your efforts to plan and coordinate the event.
Tags: birthday party, child birthday, your child, child birthday party, entertainment options, young kids