It’s your child’s special day and you want it to be perfect. Children love to have birthday parties because it makes them feel special. Friends, food and fun - that’s the mantra for a great party. So, how do you help your child host a good birthday party? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Keep it short and sweet. When you plan for the party, adjust events such that the party does not last for more than two or three hours. Children tend to get hyped up and tired and fights and tantrums ensue. Therefore the shorter the better.

• Sit down with your child and get an idea of what he or she has in mind. Would he like a theme party? Does he want to have the party at home or somewhere else? Who does he want to invite?

• If you have opted for a theme based party, ask your child what theme he prefers. Let it be something that is not too demanding.

• Decide on the venue next. You can host the party at home or you can take your child’s friends for a treat at a fast food joint or a garden. Think about whether you want the party held indoors or outdoors. Children love outdoor parties because there is more space, less hassle and plenty of fresh air. On the other hand, there is also the possibility of bad weather. Moreover the distance of the venue from your home is another factor to consider. Make sure you have a backup plan in case the weather turns bad.

• Check with your child if he or she wishes to invite selected friends or their entire class for the party. If your child chooses to invite the class, you can send invitations to school. If you decide to invite only selected friends, it is better to hand over the invitations personally. Make it a point to call and speak to their parents too. Brief them about the party, the events panned and the timing. Extend invitations at least two weeks in advance so that others can plan their activities accordingly.

• Plan the menu well in advance. Try and serve homemade food as much as possible because it reduces the risk of illness. Children love sweets but distribute them in moderation so that they do not eat too many sweets and ruin their appetite.

• Arrange for fun and safe party games. You can use your imagination to come up with fun games or you can hire party entertainers. You can also arrange to have a bouncy castle if you are having the party outdoors. However, make sure that safety standards are maintained.

• Decorate the venue as much as possible. Use balloons, streamers, crepe paper and paint to create a festive and lively atmosphere. Music is also a must for a great party.

• Let neighbors know that you have a party planned for a specific time and assure them that they won’t be bothered by litter or noise.

• Keep an index of the activities you have planned for the day in a place where all the guests can see it, so that there is no confusion.

• Be firm with the guests. That does not mean being stuck up and ruining the fun. Just be clear about what is permitted and what is not. Nip bad behavior in the bud. It is easier with small children but when it comes to teenagers, things may get more difficult to handle alone. Don’t hesitate to enlist help beforehand so that things do not go out of control.

• Whether you decide to host the party indoors or outdoors, make sure your first aid kit is well stocked and at hand. Especially with outdoor parties, there are bound to be cuts and scrapes which require first aid.

• You can seek help from other parents who are willing to assist you with the party. The presence of many responsible adults will lessen the chances of fights erupting.

• Birthdays are special moments so ensure that you have your camera ready and take many pictures.

• Choose party presents and wrap them tastefully. Make sure every child who has attended the party goes home with something.

• If you decide to arrange transportation for the invites, inform their parents about the pickup and drop timings.

These simple tips should help you make your child’s birthday bash an event to remember.

Jason Ladock

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