Today, I'm asking for some advice from all of you experienced parents out there :) Tomorrow, our C turns 4 years old (I can't believe it!), and we're having a birthday party for him in the late morning/early afternoon. My plan is to let the kids play for the first 30-45 minutes, and then to move on to pizza and birthday cake. Any thoughts on activities or games for the children, or just on what has worked for your family in making a birthday party enjoyable and fun (rather than stressful)?
Thanks in advance!
5 comments:
Kat,
I feel your pain. I just survived Gianna's 4th b-day party (our first "friends" party). We did an arts and crafts theme, and overall it was successful, but I felt a lot of stress prior to the party. One tip--no matter what games you plan, they don't take as long as you think they will. Young kids lose interest quickly.
Hot potato is a game that works well. You can also try freeze-dance and simon says.
Good Luck!
We have been to some pretty over-the-top birthday parties for really little guys! Since our little guys aren't that age yet, I'm not sure what would be good. Having seen some moms flip out over details, I think the less-is-more approach is good! Outside time is always good..balls and bubbles, maybe?
Thanks for the suggestions! If the weather is nice then we'll definitely be outside, but it's actually pretty chilly and rainy here right now :( Last year we were able to do the entire birthday party outside, and it was great! Not sure if we'll have the same luck this year...As long as I can remain calm about knowing that the house will be really messy when everyone leaves, I'll be okay :)
Deep breaths and low expectations are my recommendations! :) In order to relieve me of the birthday party burden this year, we had the celebration at Chik-fil-A, a very family-friendly establishment with indoor play area! The parents ate breakfast, while the kids ate a homemade cake and played. Magnifico!
This, of course, is in sharp contrast to the uber-parties my sister throws. This year's theme was "Zoo To-Do", complete with a "grazing area", "watering hole", ample animal games, animal-themed cupcakes (that took her hours to construct), etc. Now do you understand why I skirt details? The standard for which I have to follow is WAY too overwhelming!! :)
Less IS more. :)
I should add that Jack-Jack's first birthday party consisted of a cupcake pulled from the emergency freezer stash with a sloppy tablespoon of store bought icing on top and an 18 inch candle, being the only one I could find. There was no one other than the 4 of us on hand to celebrate and no furniture other than the kitchen table and a crib. We followed defrosted cupcakes with a rousing birthday parade through an empty house with the ipod blaring.
I honestly think this is one of my best family memories to date! I only wish I had unpacked the video camera at the time. Simple and full of joy!
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