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Cambridge Youth Commission

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Do not Jump! You CAN Stage The Ultimate Children's Party!

<span class="eceSpunToken" contenteditable="false">Do not</span> Jump! You CAN Stage The Ultimate Children's Party!

Organizing a kids party is excellent fun! No, wait! Come back! I'll explain. 

How many times have you dropped your kids off at a party, only to witness mayhem as soon as the door is opened by a hassled mom whose eyes are pleading you to take her away from all of this and put her out of her misery? Behind her, 2 kids are swinging from the light fittings; another pair are destroying the carpet, presumably searching for a hidden entryway to the wonderful world of Narnia; and the rest are deeply fascinated in a who-can-stuff-the-most-hamsters-into-your-mouth contest.


It needn't resemble that ... The only factor that kids parties dissolve into little sessions of anarchy is boredom - which, dear parent, is all down to you. "But, I tried so hard" , I hear you sob. Yes, you probably did: lots of chips, a big cake, and plenty of balloons.

The thing is, you broke the primary rule of kids parties. 

The rule that you should follow at all costs, unless you want your house damaged by a legion of little monsters ...

Never, Ever Play Musical Chairs!

Here's a secret: kids hate the game. Even if they once enjoyed it, they've played it at every birthday, Christmas and end of school party they've ever been to. Plus, you're the one who needs to manage a dozen or more bored kids careering around the edges of the  room while two determined finalists battle it out for that final seat. That leads me perfectly to rule number two: 

Never Play Any Game That Involves Kids Being 'OUT'

If you play games that keep all the kids involved from start to finish, you've got their attention-- and when you've got their attention, they aren't etching their name into the varnish of your table.

But wait, there's more! 

Expand your party playbook with alternative, inclusive games that cater to creativity and teamwork—think treasure hunts, craft stations, or group storytelling. These activities not only keep everyone engaged but also ensure the party is a hit across various age groups. Speaking of which, tailoring your party to the age group can turn a good party into a legendary one. Different strokes for different folks (or kids, in this case)!  

Get Rid Of The Parents

Aside from the ones that are there to help, parents get in the way. Plus, their kids won't really begin to enjoy themselves until their figure of authority has gone. 

Provide Each Kid A Name Sticker 

Not just will you remember who everyone is, they also help quieter children to break the ice, and you can write everything from parent's mobile phone numbers to special dietary requirements on them, thereby avoiding needless stress. 

Speaking of dietary restrictions, a little planning here can ensure all the kids enjoy the feast without worry. Offer a variety of common allergen-free snacks and ensure there's something for everyone to munch happily.

Always Have A Party Theme

It's the 21st century. A few party poppers and re-lighting candles just don't do it anymore. A party theme gets the kids excited from the moment they receive their invitation, and provides a cohesive framework for activities, decorations, and even food.

The early birds can dive into making extra bits of costume or help with last minute decorations while they're waiting for their pals to turn up.

Then, run the party in this order: 

Games - Food - Presents 

It may seem cruel to the birthday child, but always leave the opening of the gifts to the end of the party to avoid presents getting broken or lost in the fun. And if you get the kids running wild after they've had food, you're just asking for trouble!

Oh, and about the parents you've tactfully nudged out the door? They can actually be a great help without cramping the party's style. Consider assigning them roles, like manning the craft station or supervising a game, to keep things running smoothly without diminishing the fun.

Flexibility is key. No matter how bulletproof your plan seems, be ready to pivot on the fly. Having a backup activity or two up your sleeve can save the day if the kids aren't engaging with the planned ones.

Safety first! A quick once-over to ensure the environment is safe for your chosen activities can prevent mishaps and keep the fun rolling without interruption.

The ultimate goal is to create memories that last a lifetime. Set up a DIY photo corner or have the kids create a craft they can take home as a keepsake. These little touches make your party memorable and special for everyone involved.  

That's all there is to it. Follow these simple guidelines, and you'll not only throw a party that's talked about for ages but also enjoy it as much as your kids. 

Plus, you'll be hailed as a hero at the school gates come Monday morning! And remember to have fun!  After all, it's a party!


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