Friday, May 16, 2008

Planning an Elementary School Aged Birthday Party with Success

Usually around the time that children get to be in elementary school, they discover that there is a whole world of birthday parties out there which can be just for them. It usually starts with one child having a birthday party and inviting the entire class. From there the party invitations start to come in by the droves for the rest of the elementary school year and beyond. When it is your child’s turn, there is no need to panic; you can plan a fantastic elementary school party even on a low budget or without a lot of time commitment on your part.

The best way to start to plan your elementary school aged party is to ask your child what kind of party they want to have. This is important because they may want to have a party similar to one which they have attended in the past. By asking them what they want, you are on your way to being able to start your planning. You do not need to be fearful that if you ask what your child wants that they will tell you they want expensive options; most children this age have pretty simple wants such as a specific theme or color scheme they desire. From their desires you can build your party plans and theme.

The next decision you need to make is the location for the birthday party. For young children, who are prone to being messy, you might want to have the party at a local fast-food restaurant or similar venue. This can have the effect of the kids having some fun, and you not having a large mess to clean up after the party has finished. Another good option is a local park if the weather in your area permits it. As children get older, parties where you take the children skating or bowling can be a lot of fun.

If you dread the idea of spending hours with a pack of elementary school aged children on your weekend, you might choose to have the party on a Friday evening or for just an hour or two on a Saturday afternoon.

If your child is still very young, and you will have more than a couple other children at the party, you will need other adults to help you. However, if your child is in third grade or older you can probably get away with only having one other adult present to help you.

When you are distributing invitations to your partiers, it is very important to remember that if you will be sending them to elementary school to be passed out, you must invite every child in the class. To do otherwise is prohibited by most schools and just simply rude as well. Noting is more hurtful than a group of elementary school children all taunting another child for not being invited to a party.

For the day of the party you will want to have as much for your partiers to do as possible. While you do not want to overwhelm the children, it is important to keep them busy and occupied the entire time they are there with you. This will keep them out of trouble and having fun.

It is very important that you insist on good manners from your birthday party guests as well as your own birthday boy or girl. Everyone should use the words “please” and “thank you” as well as being courteous to others. In addition, you should go over how your child will handle opening presents and what is, and is not, appropriate to say to other people about gifts.

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