Use -THEIR- energy instead of yours.
You think I'm joking? Check out this video of my daughter's -COLLEGE- graduation:
they will ALWAYS have more energy than you! The thing is, you'll have to exchange perfection+exhaustion for teamwork+interesting chaos.
*Let THEM do the invitations.
A 2 year old can do thumbprints on an index card, and older kids can create their own. Never, ever criticize, or mention that the glue and glitter are -not- where they intended them to be.
*Let THEM decorate.
Remember- the Party Activities, Food, Presents, and Goody Bags pretty much ARE the decorations. Have them put their cherished toys out of harms way, and place the activity supplies close--but not visible. (That way -you- can decide what happens, and when)
*They can also help blow up balloons, if you knot them.
*Let THEM do the food prep.
If you aren't sending out for pizza, peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches have never seemed more appropriate. 3-year-olds will find the process fascinating.
*Let THEM set up the Post-Sugar Activities
Have then get the sidewalk chalk ready for hopscotch, the string circle ready for marbles, the pool toys, the lawn darts, the---well, you get the picture. Anything bouncy, bumpy, loud, and raucous happens Post-Cake-and-Ice Cream.
*Let THEM- THE GUESTS- assemble the rest of the party.
Serious.
You buy the goody bags + stuffers- they pass around the goodies.
(No one is more fair than an 8 year old boy intent on receiving EXACTLY the same amount as everyone else)
**and by the way, this is a good activity for when Birthday Kid is opening presents.**
You bake the cake and provide ice cream- They decorate it.
You provide the blanks for whatever craft- They color and embellish them.
You provide the camera- They'll take the shots. (get a few in of the ones -you- really want first)
You provide the bags-They'll cleanup. (If you used disposables. Real dishes, etc are another reality)
The only thing you need to commit to, with this approach ( besides assessing your personal tolerance for chaos),
Totally supervise on the day--do NOT plan to visit with other parents, especially during activities. Don't let kids bully and watch for hurt feelings. They WILL remember. But also, don't hover. (yeah, I know, it's tricky)
Do plan on taking that evening off, because you'll want to congratulate each other on a team effort well done. You'll all deserve it!
A 2 year old can do thumbprints on an index card, and older kids can create their own. Never, ever criticize, or mention that the glue and glitter are -not- where they intended them to be.
*Let THEM decorate.
Remember- the Party Activities, Food, Presents, and Goody Bags pretty much ARE the decorations. Have them put their cherished toys out of harms way, and place the activity supplies close--but not visible. (That way -you- can decide what happens, and when)
*They can also help blow up balloons, if you knot them.
(It's amazing fact that when the kids blow up balloons, they only seem to need 6 instead of 50)
The only thing you have to do is a fast cleanup (maybe with help) and put up the ceiling stuff. (streamers, balloons)*Let THEM do the food prep.
If you aren't sending out for pizza, peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches have never seemed more appropriate. 3-year-olds will find the process fascinating.
*Let THEM set up the Post-Sugar Activities
Have then get the sidewalk chalk ready for hopscotch, the string circle ready for marbles, the pool toys, the lawn darts, the---well, you get the picture. Anything bouncy, bumpy, loud, and raucous happens Post-Cake-and-Ice Cream.
*Let THEM- THE GUESTS- assemble the rest of the party.
Serious.
You buy the goody bags + stuffers- they pass around the goodies.
(No one is more fair than an 8 year old boy intent on receiving EXACTLY the same amount as everyone else)
**and by the way, this is a good activity for when Birthday Kid is opening presents.**
You bake the cake and provide ice cream- They decorate it.
You provide the blanks for whatever craft- They color and embellish them.
You provide the camera- They'll take the shots. (get a few in of the ones -you- really want first)
You provide the bags-They'll cleanup. (If you used disposables. Real dishes, etc are another reality)
The only thing you need to commit to, with this approach ( besides assessing your personal tolerance for chaos),
is to BE THERE, Heart, Mind and Soul.
Do the prep tasks with them--cause it's lonely doing things by yourself when you are small.Totally supervise on the day--do NOT plan to visit with other parents, especially during activities. Don't let kids bully and watch for hurt feelings. They WILL remember. But also, don't hover. (yeah, I know, it's tricky)
Do plan on taking that evening off, because you'll want to congratulate each other on a team effort well done. You'll all deserve it!
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