Joy in the simplest of
things.
Young Child Birthday Party Idea: 0 - 5 years old
Watching a child experience a birthday is the
stuff that melts hearts. For all involved it can be a wonderful time. Candles,
cakes, costumes are only the beginning.
What better time to set a precedent. Maybe
even a family
tradition, or an opportunity to have a gathering for reasons other than the
child's birthday.
Saying thanks to all those that have been part of the child's
life is common at this time. You don't parent alone. Any parent who has come
through the first few years of a child's life KNOWS this first hand. Be it an
involved family, the butcher, the baker, or the Moms at the park each Thursday
morning, there are helpers everywhere.
A clever child birthday party idea can do many things.
Best Birthday
QUESTIONS
- What are your reasons for the
party?
- Why is it important to you?
- How are you going to remember it:
With fondness OR With resentment?
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Be careful. The planets may collide.
The chances for disappointment from the parents is
also there.
Here we have those who have had
birthdays -- who know how birthdays should be -- up against those who really
have NO EXPECTATION whatsoever.
In fact, for this age group its quite tricky to get the
mix right. In all ways they are developing ever so quickly and the whole focus
on them is at its highest -- perhaps in their whole life. It's me, Me, MEEEE!!
Added to
this is the pressure created by family, money spent, doing too much, poor
planning and burnt martyr syndrome: where a well meaning and most likely over
controlling relative works themselves into exhaustion making everything perfect.
The younger the child the more overwhelming it can be --
for both parents and the child.
Hey, they've never had one before. It can be a
bit daunting. Picture the 1yr old taken away from Mom shoved in front of a
burning piece of food and with a hoard of people -- many they don't know --
screaming a song at the top of their lungs. A recipe for tears.
At the other end of the scale we have the savvy 4
yr old who is worldly wise, has been to other parties and knows what she wants,
and can tear the wrapping of a Bratz Doll in 5 seconds flat.
In such are short span of years, what makes a suitable child birthday party idea
can vary enormously.
Best Birthday
CONSIDERATIONS
-
Memories-
how, who and when will they be collected? Pics, video, handprints etc.
-
Timing: when is not the only concern. How long?
What
happens when? The shorter the time span the more the pressure.
- Parents attending -- what do
they do? Get them involved - even if you don't know them! Plan to make
them welcome.
- Food concerns -- think about allergies, new tastes, health conscious
parents. This is important.
- Stage of Development appropriate --think how the
children will interact
and what they like.
- Activity mismatch : an "organized"
event for two year olds is like herding cats! Games designed for a 4+ yr
old (e.g.: pin the tail) DON'T work for 2yr olds.
- Games: AVOID having kids hanging
around waiting for their turn. Use games that involve ALL kids at once.
Removing competition helps with 4 and under.
- Planning is a group activity. Grab
a pal and do it together. Use a checklist.
- Keep it simple. Simple, Simple, S-i-m-p-l-e.
- Who to thank? Spread the joy of
THANKS as well. And make it known you'll help out with their child's
party.
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Something to think about...
There is lots to ponder or discuss when it
comes to a child birthday party idea. Our
Birthday Idea Generator has broken down
the age groups into years
Thinking through a few of the thoughts above can reduce
stress, help plan and make an enjoyable, memorable time for everyone.
Once you choose the best child birthday party idea for your celebration get
stuck into the planning quickly.
Best Birthday
SUGGESTION
Keep it simple. Plenty of time for
more elaborate parties. Choose something that fits in with you and the
harmony that you have worked hard to establish in your home. If it
doesn't fit your lifestyle - don't do it.
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