Kids Birthday Party Woes: Problem Solved!
Before all the fun comes a bit of planning. Follow this birthday party planning advice to ensure that your child's next bash is fun -- and stress-free.
Out-of-Control Guest List
The Problem: The guest list seems to keep growing. How can you avoid a huge crowd without excluding anyone?
Solve It: Focus on keeping the numbers manageable. One good guideline is to invite as many kids as your child's age plus one. Other ways to cut the list: Limit invitees to a discrete group, such as your child's playgroup or only girls or boys.
Surprise Guests
The Problem: How can you politely indicate to your guests' parents that this isn't (or is) a drop-off party and that uninvited siblings aren't welcome?
Solve It: Be up-front and be direct. "The more information you provide in the actual invitation, the better," says Penny Warner, author of Best Party Book. To indicate that a parent should be there for the celebration say, "We'd love for Mom or Dad to stay for the fun." If you'd rather the adults leave, include a "drop-off time" and "pick-up time," which should make it clear that they aren't expected to stick around. And to keep siblings out of the mix, specify that on the invitation: "PS: We wish we had room for everyone, but we must limit attendance to the invited guests."
Wild Thing!
The Problem: You don't want kids running amok, but you also don't want to be a killjoy. How can you keep guests on their best behavior?
Solve It: Set boundaries before the party starts. Decide which rooms are off-limits and close (and, if possible, lock) the doors. To get the message across, have your child help you make and put up a silly sign like "Keep Out: Construction Zone." To block off stairs, create your own version of a red-velvet rope with party streamers or balloons at the base of the staircase. Also recruit friends to help out; Kothari recommends enlisting one adult helper for every four guests. Limit the festivities to about 90 minutes, and plan at least three activities (games, entertainment, cake) to keep boredom at bay. And if a child becomes disruptive, take him aside and ask whether he wants you to call his mom and have her take him home. With that warning, his behavior will most likely shape up fast.
Food Allergies
The Problem: Your child asks for peanut-butter cookies at their party, but you know two guests have a peanut allergy. How much should you accommodate guests with food allergies?
Solve It: "Don't make the cookies," Post says. Offer to bake them for your child another time. While you don't need to prepare special menus for allergic kids, it's wise to avoid potentially life-threatening allergens, such as nuts, especially when you know there's an issue. Your thoughtfulness will be greatly appreciated. Also, ask the parents of the two kids if they would like to bring their own food or check in with them first about what you plan on serving. And if you were thinking of sending kids home with a treat or two, consider offering a food-free goody bag, so guests with allergies can enjoy their parting gift, too.
