Birthday Parties for Kids

Writers have lives outside the pages of their books. A party planned for a young member of my family got me thinking …

One of the most significant events in parenthood: a youngster’s birthday parties. From the milestone first, fifth, and tenth birthdays, to any of those in between, the parties are opportunity for parents to demonstrate love to their young one(s) by making a mini event of their special day.

Job One

With any party-type event, planning is key to success in hosting a pleasurable and trouble-free kid birthday party. And COVID-19 pandemic considerations make planning even more crucial. Ideally, with masks and hand sanitizer aplenty, parties should be held outdoors (weather permitting). Spring, summer, and even fall birthdays make this an ‘easier’ option. Winter birthdays are more challenging, but still possible. In any event, investing in a large tent might prove inspired.

According to experts, planning for a kid birthday party should begin as early as a moth prior (six weeks, even better). This allows plenty time to come up with creative ways to make the party fun, engaging, and … flexible. Earliest planning also allows obtaining the best (outdoor ?) location, a better cake, and confirmation and verification with invited guests.

A party doesn’t have to be expensive to be a hit, and it’s best to keep in mind the guest of honor’s age. Parties for a 1-year-old or even a 5-year-old don’t require elaborate decorations costing hundreds of dollars. Even if you have the money, excessive spending here is generally a waste. Entertainment is key, but even this arena should consider the age group. Toddlers tire out; they don’t need four hours of ‘entertainment’—meltdowns usually ensue after over stimulation. Older kids (7-10) have longer attention spans and more energy, but they tire out, too: four hours should definitely do it. Sleepovers are cool for the older kids, but ‘outdoors’ requires a whole ‘camping’ venture best left to— Well, I don’t know, but someone else.

Generally speaking, the ‘bigger’ the party, the more it’s about the adults (parents) than the kids. There’s also ‘bigger’ money to spend and mess to clean up. Bigger isn’t always better—especially regarding kids’ parties.

Let’s Party (Plan)!

• Consider the guest list. Little Johnny’s turning 5, but do we really need thirty children to acknowledge that? Even if he was turning 10, this could be successful with as few as ten friends celebrating with him. Are parents dropping their kid off (they’re likely hoping so; for the break), or are they invited to stay? Knowing how many will be descending on the event is key for menu planning and budgeting.

Also, the more children invited/attending increases the likelihood of cliques forming, of kids being overlooked or ignored. This is a happy occasion; they get enough of that at school. Managing the moods and whims of seven 9-year-olds is much more feasible than attempting to manage ten to twenty moody whims (in which case, you’re going to need help).

• Consider a theme. If your child is old enough to choose a theme for their party, allow it (within reason). Having a say in something as key as the theme, ensures your child’s engagement in a party they’ll more likely enjoy. This is also a great way for getting them involved in the party preparation. For younger kids (1-5), generic themes youngsters in this age group relate to (e.g. fairies and castles for girls, cars and pirates for boys) may work best. A theme centering a popular character from books or television always works, but keep in mind: these decorations tend to be more expensive.

Determining a theme early enough allows time to pick related decorations or even costumes for the party. Believe it or not, something a simple as a color can be a theme. Go for your child’s favorite color (of course). If the party’s coed, the girls can wear one color, the boys another. Get creative without overthinking it.

• Choose a venue and band of time. If the party isn’t at home, let’s not pick a location where even the best GPS gets confused, ‘recalculating’ all over the place. Get a consensus (and even suggestions) from the guests you’re planning to invite and consider their various schedules so you can ensure those ‘VIPs’ can attend. As mentioned, the younger the child, the shorter the band of ‘party’ time (sleepovers notwithstanding).
• Choose the entertainment. In keeping with the ‘outdoor’ party idea, not everyone has a pool, so, great entertainment for any age: games and crafts. Little girls like making things, but make no mistake, so do little boys. For toddlers, stick with safe fingerpaints or coloring projects, while older kids can get more involved with their projects, able to have small pieces for decoration or construction. For games, go old-school: tag, dodgeball, Twister, boardgames on the tables … If your child is ‘sciencey’ and has friends of like interest, if it’s in budget, plan ahead to have a professional ‘mad scientist’ present cool ‘experiments—or have the kids do safe ones together (no teacher grading the fun).
• Lastly, consider contingencies and a ‘Plan B.’

All set? Okay. Once you’ve a theme, location, time, and ‘agenda,’ it’s time to make the invitations. You can make your own invitations or buy readymade ones to save time (and energy). But send these out ASAP: it’s a must that you get your RSVPs timely, so you’ll know how many guests to anticipate.

In book three of my series (Broken Benevolence), a major party (a charity ball) for adults takes place. I have a huge guest list, a theme, a venue, and plenty suspenseful and party-time entertainment for my readers. And as I witness the planning goings-on regarding my young family member’s upcoming birthday celebration (and reflect on those I planned and executed for my kids when they were youngsters), I must say, I much prefer parties created, planned, and executed perfectly—with nothing more than a pen stroke.

Until next time, stay serif, stay safe/well, and read on (you’ll need the escape once the party’s over).