When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit of organisation will go a long way. A good selection of child party games will keep the group interested and the party running smoothly. Always keep in mind that during the course of the day the weather may turn against you so be prepared to move the party (and games) indoors if necessary!
Have an idea of how you would like the party to flow- a typical choice would be: some games or a party craft to start, a break for food and cake, and then some more games or free play to wind up the party. Depending on the location for your party it may be only indoor games or outdoor games that you need to focus on. Either way a mix of games with present opening and food dispersed between should maintain a good flow.
In selecting the child party games it is wise to have a few more games prepared than you think you will need. Some games may finish quickly or if the children are not showing interest, a couple of back-ups can save you from any embarrassment. Prepare all of the music, props and prizes before the party and make sure that you are clear on the rules. If you do not want to give out prizes after every game then choose games that do not have clear 'winner' and are less competitive.
A mix of active games, those that allow the children to wind-down, and perhaps a craft activity should be plenty for a party that is lasting roughly two hours. Two hours is generally long enough for kids aged from between 3 and 6 years old.
A party craft is often a good way to start a party, allowing the kids to mingle with each other while making a party hat, loot bag or something similar. Active games give them a chance to burn off some of that party excitement and some quieter, cool-down games can help to settle kids who might have had a bit much red cordial!
Utilise other parents or older kids to help out with games if required. If younger children are attending then many of their parents will stay anyway and won't mind acting as timekeeper or judge for a game. If you are preparing food and drinks and trying to run the games all on your own then you are going to be stretched to the limit, so ask for help if you feel you need it.
When selecting the actual party games keep in mind the ages of the children attending. Younger children prefer simple, short games, nothing that requires too much explaining or has numerous rules. Think of the games that you enjoyed at parties that you attended as a child. Traditional games like Pass the Parcel, Musical Chairs or quieter games like Charades or Dead Lions are all favourites that most kids understand and have played before. Many of these games can be renamed to suit the particular theme of your party, don't feel like you have to reinvent the wheel
For older children you can be more adventurous with games and the party child will no doubt aid you in selecting games that he/she feels are appropriate to the theme of the party. If you have a mix of ages present be sure that the younger children are not being caught up in the boisterous activity of older children.
Whatever games you choose be flexible, and willing to improvise. Allow the children to set the pace in regards to the length of the games. If they are all enjoying a game then let it continue, if not move on. Remember that FUN is the aim of the day, if the kids see you relaxed and having fun then they will too!
The place to go for all your games needs for 0-6 year olds is child party games. Educational baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and more.
limousine Ackley .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThe advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
Late vs. Too LateEvery now and then, I'll hear a... Read More
Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child... Read More
Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
Fizzy sherbet in a paper bag with a strawberry lollipop... Read More
A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
1 - Forgive even if you will never be able... Read More
Memorizing math facts is a necessary part of elementary school.... Read More
Ritalin has been shown through the years to be very... Read More
Every now and then I'll get a story sent to... Read More
The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More
Are you glad for the chance to put your child... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
Uh oh.Your kids arrive home with their school reports and... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
My kids just can't get enough of playing games with... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
What are we teaching our children about money? Hopefully something!I... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare Alexander ..Before my daughter was born my house was... Read More
Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More
Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention... Read More
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
While on a recent trip to the grocery store, I... Read More
I've often thought that in 6 million years, archaeologists will... Read More
Valentine day has always been a special day in my... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More
Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
Even though the "Stop and Think" movement in ADHD treatment... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God, and... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
Parenting |