Little Party Planners: How to Co-Create Memorable Birthdays (or kids holiday parties!)
(Written by Emily Thomas)
As parents, celebrating the birth of our children is often a more anticipated event than even some holidays. This one day a year is a special occasion where most parents throw their child a party to celebrate. May we be so bold as to suggest accepting a little help from your very own little one the next go-around? Nothing could be better than involving children in the planning of their own parties. It can be a delightful and empowering experience for them, allowing them to express their preferences while fostering a sense of responsibility and creativity! By involving your child in the planning of their own party, you not only create a memorable experience but also provide valuable learning that can positively impact their development and self-esteem. It's an opportunity for them to feel heard, valued and capable.
Choose a Theme: Let your child help choose the party's theme! Ask the child about their favorite themes, characters, or interests. Does your child want a dinosaur party? Perhaps they want a celebration of their favorite cartoon character? Sit down with the birthday kiddo to discuss their favorite ideas and interests while brainstorming together to narrow down the options. You could even consider seasonal or holiday themes for added excitement if the child’s birthday is around a holiday season.
Create a Guest List: Is it necessary to invite your child's entire class or does your child wish to celebrate with only a few of their closest friends? Discuss who they would like to invite. Consider classmates, friends, and family members and encourage them to think about the number of guests based on the chosen activities to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Some families have party guest limits set on age that works well for them. For example, if the child is turning 5, then they invite 5 friends. This is one way to keep the invites limited while also allowing the child the freedom to choose whom they would like to invite.
Date + Locations: Before setting a date, check with essential guests to make sure they're available. Your child won't be very thrilled if their best friend or favorite uncle will be out of town for their party. While you can't coordinate with everyone's schedule, choose a date that works for the most critical attendees. Decide whether the party will be at home or at an external venue (ex: a park or a play center) and consider the weather and the space needed for any party activities.
Invitations: Have your birthday child help make written invitations or use an online template for digital invitations. Be sure to include all the relevant details! Indicate whether parents are encouraged to stay and if siblings are welcome to attend in tow. Don't forget to include an RSVP date, party start and end times, and a contact method. A quick mention if food will be served is also helpful for parents planning their day around the party. Be sure to send out invitations well in advance!
Decor + Entertainment: Set the party mood with themed decorations, balloons and streamers. A “Happy Birthday” banner and decorations can go a long way in pulling it all together. Plan to fill two to three hours with a mix of party games (Musical Chairs, Keepie-Uppie, Floor is Lava) and calmer activities (like crafts, storytelling or drawing prompts). Remember to leave time for entertainment, snacks, cake and general freewheeling ruckus! Involve your child in this process—they know what they enjoy best! Keep in mind that an outdoor party may become an indoor party in case of rain, so plan alternate, rainy-day activities, just in case. Use Napp’s very own Ultimate Indoor + Outdoor Play List to help plan!
Food and Cake: Themed snacks can take a birthday party from good to great! Discuss with your child their favorite foods or snacks and choose a menu that caters to children's preferences. Think about your color scheme and theme, and choose food that can coordinate. Sometimes, it’s as simple as choosing the right drink or cookie colors. Consider interactive food stations where they can build their own sandwiches, pizzas, build ice cream sundaes or decorate cupcakes.
Party Favors: Kids enjoy leaving a party with a little goody bag of treats or small toys. Discuss ideas for items that align with the party theme and consider taking your child shopping for party favors or involve them in creating DIY favors. Your child can help stuff the bags and will enjoy seeing the fun trinkets their friends will receive. Some popular goody bag items are lollipops or other candy, noisemakers, light-up bracelets, rings, or necklaces, tiny coloring or activity books with crayons, miniature puzzle cubes, temporary tattoos and stickers. Oftentimes you can find these items themed so they can match along with the party’s theme!
Day Of Fun: As far as the kiddos go, be sure to discuss any safety guidelines for games and activities that are to take place on the day of the party. Making sure that everyone understands all limitations and rules is a positive step in setting up the party for success. Encourage the birthday child to take an active role during the party! Invite them to greet guests as they arrive, lead games and activities or be in charge of hanging out goody bags at the end.
Reflection: Post-party discussions with children can be a great way to reflect on all the fun they had! Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and positive, focusing on the joy of the celebration! These discussions can not only help reinforce positive behaviors but also create an opportunity for bonding and shared memories.
Highlight Favorite Moments:
"What was your favorite part of the party?"
"Which game or activity did you enjoy the most?"
Express Gratitude:
"What was the nicest thing someone did for you at the party?”
"Is there someone special you'd like to thank for making the day extra special?"
Friendship and Social Skills:
“How did you include others in the games or activities?”
"What did you appreciate most about having your friends and family at the party?"
Positive Behavior Reinforcement:
"I noticed you were very patient while waiting for your turn. That's great! How did it feel to be patient?"
"You shared your toys with everyone. How does sharing make you feel?"
Memorable Moments:
"Can you share a funny or silly moment from the party?"
"Did anything unexpected happen that you'll always remember?"
By involving the birthday child in the planning process, you not only make them feel special but also create a unique and personalized celebration. It's a wonderful opportunity for them to express their creativity, make decisions, and feel a sense of ownership over their special day. You not only make the party more personalized but also teach them valuable skills in decision-making and collaboration. It's a great way to create lasting memories and make the celebration truly special for them!