Party Planning Is Child’s Play!

Who doesn’t enjoy a good party? Birthday party planning can bring anxiety to parents who just want to make their child’s celebration special. It doesn’t have to be stressful. Planning can become a fun family activity, bringing everyone closer through brainstorming and creativity. Sound intimidating? You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to make your child’s special day memorable. Follow these simple steps to plan a fun time for everyone.

•Decide on a theme. Ask your child. Are they obsessed with “High School Musical”? Love collecting rocks? Want to be a future rock star or fashion designer? Inspired by the Olympic gymnasts?

• Take their interests and look around to businesses and activities connected to it. A trip to the latest movie with a pizza afterward makes for a nice outing. A tour of the Science Museum is sure to inspire your little geologist. Your rock star can take the stage with dress-up clothes and a karaoke machine borrowed from a cousin. Put aspiring gymnasts through the paces at a host of gymnastic centers around town or in your living room.

•Decide on the numbers. Does your child want to invite the whole class or have a few close friends involved in their celebration? This can give direction, looking at your options from a practical side. What size group do you feel comfortable hosting at home? What are the costs per child for a party held at a business? Research costs from companies supporting your theme. List and estimate what you need to do it yourself. What items and skills can you borrow from friends and family?

• Make a plan. Once you’ve decided where to have your party, it’s time for fun. Enlist the help of your computer-savvy kids to scour kid-friendly websites for decorating and game ideas. Check parent sections of kid sites, magazines and books for helpful suggestions, crafts and games.

• Get a timeline. Decide how much time you’ll need to make or shop for decorations, party favors and activities. Find out how involved your children want to be in this process. At our house, making props and testing out activities is an exciting part of the planning process. My kids love helping siblings by drawing signs and cutting out decorations. This shows the birthday boy or girl how much they are loved. The emphasis falls away from the presents, making way for family cooperation when everyone takes part in planning.

• Be an imperfectionist when planning the party. Let decorations made with love and scribbles take center stage whether used at home or a rented location. Your children will value time spent together and their part in creating memories.