Parties are all about fun, right? But this is not always the case when it’s a kiddie’s party and you happen to be the parent of that child.
According to a recent study conducted by one of the soap companies, many parents actually dread throwing parties for their kids, with many that are under the assumption that they are competing with other parents. Close to one-third also feel pressured or intimidated by other parents, while others admit that they fear letting their little one down by hosting a sub-standard or below-par party.
This research also discovered that many moms start planning birthday parties at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, while some even start making the necessary arrangements 6 months in advance.
Yet on the lighter side of this, the majority of the 1,000 mom’s that answered questions in this survey most stated that the number one reason to host a birthday party was to make their children happy, yet some admitted that they tried to throw their daughter or son a birthday party they never experienced or had.
Most of the children of today expect an action-packed party at one of the local leisure centers, soft play centers, bowling alleys, or hiring a bounce castle. These types of parties can often cost hundreds of dollars.
But regardless of whether your budget for a birthday party is $100 or $1,000, it is still possible to provide your child with the perfect party packed with happy memories.
Party Plan Like A Professional
Louise Rees, a mother of three, and expert party planner suggest that one of the top tips for a child’s party is to make sure you only invite your child’s closest friends.
A great party doesn’t have to involve all the siblings and lots of guests where your child may feel overwhelmed. Don’t let it bother you that you become the first mom that doesn’t end up inviting the entire class or grade. The moms that you do invite will envy you for limiting the party to children that you child will want to share and enjoy memorable moments with.
Louise also recommends that you should only prepare food according to the number of guests. She points out that children don’t eat a lot, so only cater for 75% of your guest list so that you are not left with piles of food that you end up having to throw away.
She says that the themed parties will never go out of fashion, with children dressing as princesses, pirates, and more. The main aim of good planning skills is to keep everything simple and to make sure that your child feels special.
It is also important to try not to get stressed on the day. In many cases, the parent that hosts the party is so busy that they do not get a chance to take any pictures, chat with the other moms and dads, or even find the time to make coffee and tea. Parents can become panicked about the entire event.
Louise suggests drawing up a checklist to make sure you have everything covered. Here is what your list should include:
– The guest list
– Book the venue and pay for it, if you are not hosting the party from your home
– Choose the theme for the party (optional)
– Purchase and hand out your invitations
– Buy supplies for activities and party games
– Sort out music for the party
– Buy decorations like balloons, banners, and sticky tape or Blue Tac
– Make or buy party packs
– Make or buy the birthday cake, napkins, matches, candles, etc
– Purchase or hire partyware such as food boxes, tablecloths, cups, bowls, plates, cutlery, napkins, straws, blowers, hats, etc
– Buy drinks, snacks, and food
– Organize refreshments for the parents, such as nibbles, coffee, and tea
– Organize a video camera or camera
– Ask for the contact numbers of the moms or dads if they are only dropping the children off at the party
– Bin bags
It Is All About The Bag
Another important party ingredient for most children’s parties is the party pack or bag. Many moms feel like they are under the spotlight when choosing the right party bags.
While children were once impressed with sweets, a piece of the birthday cake, and maybe a yoyo in their party pack, some of the moms of today, are now in competition with other parents when it comes to giving away a personalized gift to their guests.
Many of the modern party bags contain a book or gift vouchers in addition to the traditional sweets. Find your favorite glowstick golf balls at Premier Glow for a fun addition to their bag.Louise suggests that you avoid putting in annoying blowy toys, since kids are known for opening the bags before they leave, and you will be in for a lot more noise than you bargained for. Rather look for a few items of good quality to put inside your party bags.
It is important to note that most children are more than happy with a “back to basics” celebration. This includes a few friends coming over to play a few games, the birthday cake, or even a family trip to the bowling alley or the cinema.
Parents often want their child to enjoy their birthday where they become sucked in by an idea that in order to be the best parent, they must ensure that the day is as memorable as possible. But once you step away from this type of madness, you will soon start to realize what it is actually about, and that includes giving thought to what your child really wants.