First time planning a birthday party? You've got this!

Gemma Button - Little Gem Princess Events - 20th August 2019

Children can also be more difficult to manage in the afternoons. Often, this interferes with nap or rest time for younger children, and for some, they will have already had lunch, which means they will not be interested in food at the party. Children who are not hungry will not sit still, which can lead to disruptive behaviours. Other children will come to the party hungry and will be restless throughout the party until they eat.

It is best that you plan the party around a meal time and not in-between. Either lunch or later tea. For example, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. are all good times. You can have a later time, too, if the kids are old enough. Midday is not a good time to start unless you are going to feed them before anything else. Age has a big impact on the party schedule as well as number of guests!

⭐For small babies and young toddlers up to about three years old

When naps are still a consideration, a one hour party is often long enough. The preferable time for a baby or toddler party is probably 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. One- and two-year-olds: They are not really ready for a big number and are often overwhelmed by a large production with too much going on. Usually, a simple affair is what most parents tend to opt for, such as a family gathering or a simple buffet with close adult friends and their similar aged children. Three-year-olds can handle planned activities, but again these children do not require any type of extravaganza or over-the-top production. It is in your best interest to plan on giving each child a name badge upon arrival and capture their furtive imagination with basic ‘circle time’ clapping and singing activities, or ‘dancing’. Simple games are appropriate for children in this age group, it is likely that family members will outnumber the child’s peers at the party.

⭐For children from four to six years old

Plan a one and-a-half-hour party. This age group likes to join in with more traditional party games, such as Pass the Parcel, Simon Says, and Musical Bumps. They will also enjoy the play time they have with their peers. Since this is the case, equally allow space and time for the kids to just zip around or play ball games for a bit of unstructured play. A good limit for this party is a maximum of 20 guests. Too many children might be too many for specific games, and as such, can lead to disappointments. Keep this in mind

⭐Those children six and plus

May easily manage a two-hour party. These children are keen to concentrate and participate more fully in any party entertainment, including games or special guests. Most of the children are also old and skilled enough for basic arts and crafts activities. Alternatively, consider circus skills, drama, dancing, or treasure hunts. These are all are good fun and an excellent way for children to exert energy. If one fails to plan activities, then beware they do not revert to that popular favourite – who can scream the loudest?

Lots of love and princess wishes from

Gemma Button 👑

Little Gem Princess Events