You can have a party with your child for any number of reasons, including birthdays, holidays or just for fun. Planning the party may be overwhelming and time consuming for you, but Mike Artell and Pam Schiller, authors of "Parties Kids Love: Great New Party Ideas for Birthdays, Holidays, Or Just Fun," write that by having activities ready ahead of time, the kids will have a good time, and you will be able to pull off a stress-free party.
Step 1
Choose a theme for your party. Invite your child to give you his ideas, based on his personal interests and passions.
Step 2
Write a list of some craft, game and food ideas that correlate with the theme of your party. Browse books or Internet websites to help you gather some ideas that you feel comfortable with.
Step 3
Choose one craft, one game and two or three snack ideas to incorporate into the party. Write a list of what supplies you will need for each activity.
Step 4
Gather your supplies and group them together in the area where the activity will take place. For your craft, provide glue, scissor and crayons to help the kids complete their project. Make sure you have all the things you need for your game in one place so the children can play without interruption, suggests Janice Hubbard-Holmes, author of "Terrific Parties for Kids."
Step 5
Prepare your snacks and provide plates, cups, napkins and utensils. Set up a snack area separate from the craft and game area to help prevent messes.
Step 6
Guide the children to the first activity when they arrive at the party. Show them how to make the craft or play the game, and offer assistance as needed. Offer the children plates or cups if you would like them to eat their snack first. Show children to the next activity, and offer directions how to complete it.
Tips and Warnings
- If weather permits, plan your party outside so the guests can run around between activities. Choose simple crafts and games that can be completed in a few minutes, and so children can finish before it is time to move on to the next activity. Pinatas are a good alternative to games if the children are older. They will take up time and engage the children. Plan a few back up activities in case the children are not interested in your first choices. Themed coloring sheets can fill up a few minutes between activities.
- If the children are not interested in the activity or lose interest, move on to another activity to help prevent behavior problems, suggests Hubbard-Holmes.
Things You'll Need
- Craft supplies
- Glue
- Scissors
- Crayons
- Game supplies
- Snacks
- Plates
- Cups
- Silverware
- Napkins
References
- "Parties Kids Love: Great New Party Ideas for Birthdays, Holidays, Or Just Fun"; Mike Artell and Pam Schiller; 1996
- "Terrific Parties for Kids"; Janice Hubbard-Holmes; 1992
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