Planning the Perfect Children’s Birthday Party
Tips for a stress-free day

It comes around each year, and you think, what are we going to do this year? Your child’s birthday is one of the most memorable times of the year, so making it run smoothly should be high on the list of priorities.

Tips:

1. Involve your child in the party planning and preparation. Let them plan the theme, location, guest list, menu, games, etc. They can write invitations or create them on the computer with fun computer paper, fill loot bags, blow up balloons, decorate, even help "childproof," "crowdproof" or straighten the house.
2. Limit the guest list. The old tradition of inviting as many guests as your child’s age seems to work out to a manageable size.
3. Pick an appropriate theme . Often times there is a range of age among children attending, so choosing a theme to suit different ages and genders as well as the birthday child is desireable.
4. Plan activities . Have an agenda to keep the kids busy. Whether celebrating at home or at a hosted location, there are plenty of ideas online to keep the kids involved in crafts, games, activities, music, special guests or playtime equipment.
5. Party destinations . Locations that cater birthday parties have all inclusive packages that do all the planning and preparation for you from invitations to food, activities and balloons. Sometimes a little extra help from the experts is a welcome hand for busy families!
6. Keep a checklist . Whether hosting the party at home, park or at a catered location, there are always extras to think about. Why not keep a running checklist so that when birthday celebrations come around each year, you can refer to the list and easily start the preparations. Check out ParentGuide’s checklist tools to help parents remember all the details!
7. Thank you notes . Thank you notes are important social skill builders. Children actually enjoy writing thank you cards when they have fun note cards or when they're producing cards on the computer and printing on decorative paper. Include a photo of the event as a reminder of the fun time.

Source: www.kidsource.com