How to Plan a Children's Birthday Party

Planning a birthday for 10 little active children is never easy, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. There are steps that can be taken to keep things moving smoothly and fun.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Imagination and lots of activities.

1. 
    

   First know the invitation list. Let's be honest despite what we all desire boys and girls are very different. With that understood this means any party plans will be influenced by who is attending all boys, all girls or a mix of genders.

2. 
    

   Get lots of physical activities that are not too long in duration and don't require a long time to prepare. This means short, quick games like tag, duck/duck goose are great options. Something that might be tremendous fun is a shoe flicking contest. Have the kids untie a shoe and see who can flick it the furthest off their foot by simply kicking.

3. 
    

   This one hurts, but again honesty is the best approach. Limit the sugar base foods. This doesn't mean eliminate the cake, but hold off on the soda. High sugar foods create behavior problems and that is something no parent wants with multiple children running around. Instead offer a drink low in sugar. Also, mix in a healthy snack before the cake and ice cream.

4. 
    

   Keep the party time within reason, unless going out of the house to somewhere like a Chuckie Cheese, which can require a longer period of time. For younger children avoid having a party that last hours, their attention spans can't handle it and that will lead to problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Take sometime to plan the party, avoid just tossing it together.
• Remember these are kids and every good plan can collapse. If they are having fun playing in the sandbox let them play and keep the games for another time.

Resources

• More helpful ideas for parents

[archip99]

on 10/29/2008 I will keep that in mind for my son's upcoming birthday. Thanks.

[01KendraWrites]

on 9/23/2008 Yes, physical activities are a must!

[LilacGirl]

on 9/23/2008 Good ideas, especially the limiting sugar one. It does help.

[Cateeto]

on 9/23/2008 Great ideas!

[krazigirl79]

on 9/23/2008 Interesting tips, thanks for the information.