a pocket full of posies
one two three we all full down.”
It was the start of a new school year. My sister thought it would be fun to invite her daughter’s classmates to an after school party at their home. Her daughter had excitedly participated in the planning: what food to serve and what games to play. And like a professional events coordinator, I took note of all her requests and made sure to check my and her mother’s ideas with her.
She had personally taped down the names her friends on the invitation cards;
did a food taste on which hotdog to serve;
and, gave specific instructions on what to greetings to put on the cake.
We went through the list of games and my niece even tested them out to make sure her friends could actually carry out the instructions.
Finally it was party time. They were nine little girls coming together to celebrate their 1st week of school. Wide-eyed, full of expectations and bundles of energy. Nine girls made sure my sister and I were kept on our toes for two full hours.
And when the last guest had been picked up, you couldn’t wipe the big smile off the face of my niece as she thanked me with a tight hug. That is all the reward I need.
; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; ) ; )
If you are planning any party involving children age 5 to 7, here are some tips I would like to pass along to ensure that you don't "fall down" at the end.
• Keep everything simple. This is specially critical if you plan to carry out everything yourself: decorator; caterer; game master; clean-up crew.
• Inform the parent about the party least the child forgets to show the invitation.
• Check with the child how he/she feels about the party. What would she/he like to happen during the party.
• Decorate your gate with colored balloons or other festive decor to make it easy for the guests to spot your house.
• Keep your menu simple. Children this age look forward to the games and the party favors. For this particular party, we had:
o Hotdogs in buns
o Assorted tetra-pack juices
o Cup-cakes
• Make sure your prizes and party favors are suitable for the children:
o Soap bubbles
o Trinkets: rings, bracelets, necklaces
o Puzzles and mazes
o Colored pens
o Little books
o Noise makers
• Prepare lots of games. You will be surprise how quickly each game is completed and the kids will be on your neck if you don’t have anything else for them to do.
• At this age, most children do not quite understand the concept of winners and losers. So be sure to give out prizes to everyone that participates. (And even to those who don’t join)
• Keep your party area safe. Tape down electrical lines like extension cords; remove any furniture that could harm the child; put out of reach hot appliances (electric water pots, etc).
• Have something prepared for the grown-up who might stay. A bowl of fruits, coffee/tea service, and some biscuits or grown-up sandwiches.
And most importantly enjoy being a kid again!
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