A child's birthday is most likely the most important and most eagerly anticipated day of the year--primarily because it is THEIR unique day and they are the focus of everyone's attention.
Since today's moms are usually busy with work and family, planning ahead can make the day terrific without a lot of fuss. Some children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, are overwhelmed by large groups so keep the birthday celebration small. Some use the rule of one guest for each year of your child's life, plus one. A three-year-old will have four guests, a five-year-old, six, and so forth.
Keep the party short--one to two hours at most for toddlers and preschoolers and certainly no longer than three hours for older children. When determining the starting time for the younger set, keep in mind nap times. For older children the starting time will be determined as to whether you'll be serving a full meal or just cake and ice cream. Be sure to tell the parents of those attending when the party will end so that you're not left with children without parents after the party is over.
Simple parties are best. Don't overplan the activities, but do have a few fun games in mind. For the younger children a sing-along, puppet show, or a pony ride are good activities. Three-year-olds are old enough for a treasure hunt in a yard where they are protected from running into the street by a fence and a couple of teen-age helpers to guide the little ones into the right direction to find the hidden treasures.
Preschoolers will enjoy playing action games like 'Duck, Duck, Goose,' 'Simon Says,' Musical Chairs, or 'Freeze Dance'--where children dance to the music and 'freeze' in their position when the music stops. Another fun indoor game is 'Knock Your Socks Off' where the children crawl around on the floor and try to remove each other's socks. The last one with a sock on wins.
For school age children, how about a dress-up relay game, putting on funny oversized clothing, running to the other side of the room, then taking the clothes off. The second child runs to the clothes, runs back, then takes the clothes off, alternating until everyone on the team has had their turn. The first team to finish wins.
If your house isn't suitable for a party, we suggest moving it to a outdoor park playground (if the weather's warm) or an indoors play place like Discovery Zone for the younger set and a skating rink or miniature golf course for school-age children. Consult the party places available in your area using the Internet or your local telephone yellow pages. Since you're in charge, you can order the healthiest food they offer for the children and ask if you can bring your own cake.
When it's time to open presents, present each guest with their own party 'goodie' bag and a helium-filled party balloon. For many youngsters, it's better if they are receiving something at the same time as the birthday child.
While waiting for the children to be picked up at the end of the party time, pop an appropriate children's video into the VCR as a winding-down activity that will keep everyone happy until the last guest departs. Then you, the parent, can kick back with a cup of coffee or tea and watch your child play with their new toys, knowing that your job was well done.
For a great birthday cake recipe, see 'Just for Kids' April, 1998
