| As a child grows up, one of his or her most | | | | extra help from friends and family. Remember |
| cherished memories is their birthday party. Long | | | | approximately 10 percent of the invited children |
| after the cake has been eaten and the ice cream | | | | will be unable to attend for various reasons. |
| has melted, the memories live on. That is why it | | | | 4. Conflicts: Find out from your child's teacher if |
| is important to carefully plan and prepare for the | | | | other kids are planning birthday parties on the |
| perfect party. | | | | same time and contact those mothers to avoid a |
| Here are seven secrets that will ensure that your | | | | scheduling conflict. Also, find out from your child if |
| child has the most memorable party guaranteed... | | | | any of their friends have previous commitments |
| 1. Plan the party: Don't try to put the part | | | | such as a sports event or music recital. This is |
| together at the last minute, or even worse, try | | | | especially important for their closest friends. |
| to "wing" it. Kids have a very short attention span. | | | | 5. Party location: Most birthday parties are held at |
| Without a plan with continuous activities, kids | | | | home. If it fits your budget, booking your party |
| become easily bored. I'm sure you don't want the | | | | at a restaurant or other party facility is easy, |
| children adventuring through your house looking | | | | simple, and can cut your workload in half. If you |
| for something to do. When planning the party | | | | decide to book one of these locations, be sure to |
| break up the time into 15 minute intervals, with a | | | | make your reservation at least one to two |
| couple of emergency ideas just in case. | | | | months beforehand. Movie theatres, bowling allies, |
| 2. Time span: This is usually the most difficult | | | | sports parks, roller rinks, etc, are also great |
| decision for a parent to make, and what makes | | | | locations for a birthday party. |
| or breaks the party. The party should be no | | | | 6. Nap Time: Smaller children are used to specific |
| longer than 2 hours. Two hours gives you plenty | | | | schedule, which includes their nap time. It is best |
| of time to play games, have entertainment, eat | | | | to plan accordingly to avoid unhappy campers. It |
| cake, and unwrap presents. Be sure to specify on | | | | is no fun to be tired! |
| your invitations the exact time the party begins | | | | 7. To eat or not to eat: If you plan your party |
| and ends. | | | | around a mealtime, 12 noon or 5 PM, you will be |
| 3. Size of party: There are a couple of theories | | | | expected to feed the kids. Plan foods the children |
| on the number of children to invite. I have found | | | | enjoy. Finger foods are great. Sandwiches, mini |
| the most controllable size is 10 to 20 kids. Some | | | | pizzas, and hot dogs are great food choices. In |
| people say to invite one child per age of the | | | | the excitement, the kids probably won't eat that |
| birthday child. For example a five year old would | | | | much so don't over spend. |
| invite 5 kids. For younger kids, be sure to have | | | | |