Kid Birthday Party
Idea + Cool Stuff = "You rock Mum & Dad!"
Bigger Kids Birthday Party Idea: 6 - 12 years old
Maybe it's more like...
big kid birthday party idea + busy parents + growing up
child = ????
This set of ages throws up its own challenges when it
comes to celebrating a birthday party. Different but no less difficult.
If the young child experiencing their first birthday is
the stuff that melts hearts -- for the older kids it's a way of strengthening social connection, belonging to a "pre-peer" peer group and
The
overriding concern for this bunch is that they are no long a "child", they are
now out in the world at school working it all out. A time where everything is
possible and nothing MUST get in the way. The influences that were present with
the
young child are now transformed into a new batch of parental woes and
wonders. No less rewarding but new ground to cover. A new level of thinking is
needed to find the best BIGGER kid birthday party idea.
Best Birthday
QUESTIONS
- What does having a party say to
your bigger kid?
- Has the idea been suggested,
discussed or raised with the birthday person?
- What impact do you want to create?
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What about the parents...
No, not the other kids parent's or carers, YOUR kids'
parents...er... YOU!
There is a lot to consider and it might be hit and miss if the party idea you
have in mind isn't floated before you act.
How's this...
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A (Not so) PRIVATE STORY
Barreling headlong into the world's best kid birthday party
idea for 9 year olds had my Father speechless as I sulked through the day.
For
my ninth birthday he had a VW Kombi tray-top spray painted with "Happy Birthday
Neal" in stand out colours one of which was pink. It rocked up on the day
as a surprise!
My twenty school buddies piled
in and had a ball at the forest park we visited, but I spent the day alone
sulking from all the attention driving through the city gave me.
How such a
loving gesture could be twisted must have really hurt dear ol' Dad. He assumed
it would be cool. My lasting memories of the that time are of two regrets. One
for not saying "Thanks" and two, for not having a picture to show my daughter.
Neal, Australia
Testimonials |
I guess the message is pretty clear.
The following considerations may also help..
Best Birthday
CONSIDERATIONS
- Plan like a commando if it is to
be a surprise.. BUT always choose stuff that they like. Do your research.
- Parents (ie: YOU): be involved not pedestrian; sets an example and
strengthens family bonds BUT know when enough is enough and Dad is no longer
required. Look for eye rolls and sighs.
- Invite Etiquette: keep on top of
who's who in the zoo. Friendships wane and former strangers are now best
friends.
- Cool-o-mo-meter: Make sure yours is well tuned during this
time. Stay current with fads -- 1hr of kids commercial TV can fill you in.
- Food concerns -- allergies, new tastes, health conscious
parents, weight conscious kids
- Activity mismatch : skill levels will differ here. Be
aware of risks like swimming parties where it's assumed everyone can swim...Avoid Boys
vs. girls activity.
- Short Speeches and don't embarrass
them by doing silly stuff like showing your affection...
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Something to think about...
When looking for a winning bigger kid birthday
party idea the trick is being current with where the kid is at: interests -
friends - behaviour - skills.
By looking at what's going on around your part of the world you help to keep
your ideas fresh. Those Nemo Party's were a hit in 2004, Shelf life? Maybe
18months -- if the dvd release is slow!
Look around for piggy back opportunities: "Hey kids, there's a cool dinosaur
show on at the library they have a party room and we can make dinosaur
droppings!" This is 6 year old boy heaven.
A word on Playing it Safe with a kid birthday
party idea -- lame-oh labels are hard to remove.
Remember: teenage years are just around the corner. Your kids don't need anymore
ammunition.
For added motivation and for a Hollywood take on what can be done, go rent
Parenthood (1989), starring Steve
Martin.
Gidday up Cowboys.
Best Birthday
SUGGESTION
Find out what they like and use big,
bold strokes to deliver it. Subtle is wasted on this age group. If it's
a Dress Up Party -- everyone dresses up! Pool Party -- eveyone in the
pool. It's party by mob and they play full tilt. Set the tone and step
away.
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kid birthday party idea -- to top of page
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