I've been scheduling, planning, and leading kids' parties for about 14 years.  During this time I have

spoken with  Moms, Dads, guests, grandparents, and the kids themselves.  And, there are 5 important points that we insiders wish everyone knew! 

 

1. The only decoration that really matters is the smile on your child's face.  Everyone agrees that the matching themed tableware is adorable, but don't let the thought of coordinating every possible accessory become a distraction.  If your kiddo wants a building block cake with rainbow pony plates, roll with it!  Most guests will enjoy seeing your child's eclectic style flourish.

 

2. You, yes YOU, are supposed to enjoy your child's party.  After all, Mom, your child might be the birthday star, but you deserve an award for your supporting role.  If the pressure to please or impress your guests begins to interfere with your ability to celebrate this special day either remind yourself of this important point and find a way to suppress your overachiever tendencies, or revise your guest list.  Sometimes, less is more.

 

3.  Food.  Let's talk about food.  It's in our female DNA to feel obligated to produce a magnificent spread of food at any social event.  And, when you add in the prevalence of food allergies among today's kids, it's enough to make your head spin.  But, it doesn't have to be so hard.  There are three things you need to remember.  First, the kids are usually more interested in playing than eating, so if you have prepared enough food for an army, also prepare to save lots of leftovers.  Second, and I feel I have to somehow type with a whisper for this one, parents don't want their kids to eat all that sugar.  We expect sweets at birthday parties, and that's okay, but no one wants their child to consume copious amounts of hyperactivity provoking junk food.  Third, don't stress about having allergy free options because, as the parent of a child who can't eat this or that, I can tell you that we are accustomed to bringing our own food.  In fact, most of us allergy moms have trouble trusting "allergy free" foods that didn't originate in our own kitchen.   

 

4. Do you have to open gifts as your guests look on, or do you wait until after they leave?  Many years ago, etiquette dictated opening gifts as the givers watched.  Today, the general consensus is that it's okay to wait, especially if your party guests are too young to understand why one child is being showered with gifts that they are not allowed to touch.   

 

5. Do I dare bring up the birthday outfit?  I hesitate, because I know how much we Mama's want our kids to look overwhelmingly adorable in those party pictures.  It's okay to be cute enough to squeeze, but keep in mind that if that special party outfit interferes with your child's ability to play, a tantrum is inevitable.  And, nothing ruins a great photo like a red faced tantrum.  Wearing some comfy leggings under that tulle tutu allows the birthday princess to shed her skirt when jumping and climbing is impaired.  Use an elastic pony tail holder in conjunction with the matching bow so that when that bow bounces right off of her head her hair will remain in place.  And, keep in mind that your son's crisp clean shirt won't look that way for long, especially once the red icing covered cupcake is served.  Throwing an extra tee into your purse on your way out the door will alleviate the stress of having to keep your little one clean.  

 

These party tips are suggested by Rachel Foster, director at Sportz Quest, Inc.  Sportz Quest is a children's fitness and gymnastics facility that promotes physical activity as a way to learn, celebrate, and stay healthy.

For additional information, including availability, please call 478-718-7306 or email [email protected]
We are located at 2954 Riverside Drive in Macon.