Practical Approach to Children’s Birthday Parties

Great ideas and tips from Moms and party planners that will help make your next birthday party a success.

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These tips and planning ideas may seem basic, but they really work! I remember when my kids were younger I served the cake right after the kids arrived for the party - then had to deal with all the sugar craziness. But a friend told me to move the cake and ice cream to the end of the party and it made all the difference in the world. Such a simple thing, but it made all future parties run smoothly. Here are some other great tips from our readers.

Birthday Party Rule Number One: The birthday party is for the benefit of the birthday child and his or her friends.

Your First Task is to make the birthday child feel special.after that, making sure everyone has fun.




Birthday Party Rule Number Two: Don't go it alone at the birthday party.

Have enough adults on hand. Don't have a guest list full of children and plan on running the party all by yourself. 

You can't be in two places at once. In birthday party terms, you can't play musical chairs, cut the cake, and direct traffic to the bathroom at the same time. Enlist one or more "big people" (adults or responsible older children) to help you at the birthday party..

Birthday Party Rule Number Three: Manners matter.

When planning a birthday party for your child, you can better ensure that those attending have a good time, and behave properly. Good etiquette for children at a birthday party makes for a fun time for everyone involved and encourages kids to continue displaying positive behaviors. Take the time to talk with your kids about party etiquette, and follow some simple etiquette rules yourself.

 Birthday Party Rule Number Four: Be sure there's plenty to do.

When all the guests have arrived for the birthday party, I start the birthday games. For kids this age, I've found that the best type of games are cooperative, rather than competitive. For instance, instead of playing musical chairs, we play a game in which we take away a chair each round, but all of the kids stay in. The goal is to see how many kids can pile on the chairs when the music stops. Instead of working against each other, the kids help each other.

Birthday Party Rule Number Five: Don't forget about safety.
Safety proof the venue beforehand. Whether you're planning the party at home or at another location, remember this rule of thumb – safety first. Go through and check there are no dangerous items or electrical areas. Lock away any items you don't want kids to get their hands on.

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