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Saturday, November 7, 2009

Mom Loves Parties- Party planning tips {Guest Blogger}

Parties can be stressful, but thanks to these tips my son's 1st Birthday party this past weekend was much more enjoyable! Give a warm welcome to our guest blogger, Candi, and please consider some of her advice when you plan your next party .


Here are a few tips we find helpful when planning a child's birthday.


Planning and throwing your child’s birthday party should be fun, but it often feels like another time-consuming, stressful thing on your “to do” list. Put the “festive” back into the festivities with the following tips:

  • Keep it simple. Your child won’t care if there are elaborate decorations, or a meticulously thought out menu. He just wants to have fun.
  • Get some help. Many parents get overwhelmed trying to do it all themselves. If your father-in-law is artistic, ask him to make the invitations. If your sister is a great baker, put her in charge of the cake. Consider hiring someone to entertain the kids, run the games or clean your house pre- and post-party.
  • Ask for your child’s input. Before you start planning, get your child’s opinion. Even young children enjoy a trip to the party store to choose between Elmo and Thomas the Train plates. My kids love to browse through party catalogues to choose a few special things for their party.
  • Keep it manageable. Instead of inviting your son’s entire first grade class (27 kids - can you imagine?), suggest that he invite his two or three favorite friends to do something special, like going bowling and out for pizza. Likewise, don’t feel like you have to invite all of his school friends, neighborhood friends, cousins and so forth. Chances are, it will be overwhelming for him - and for you!
  • Don’t plan too much. It’s great to have a few ideas for games, crafts or other activities, but there’s no need to schedule a ton of different activities.
  • But do have a “back up plan”. It’s smart to have a few extra crafts or games in mind, just in case the kids seem bored. Musical chairs is fun for all ages, a dance party is an easy, enjoyable activity, and younger kids would probably love a few stories.
  • Have a set “end time” and a friendly way of ushering people out the door.
Remember, the birthday party should be a celebration of your child, not an elaborate affair. Keep it simple and you’ll all have a great time.


About our guest blogger:
My name is Candi Wingate and founder I am of Nannies4hire.com, Care4hire.com and a Nanny Agency. My nanny experience actually goes way back. I was a nanny for a family with 5 children, which included newborn twins. After becoming a nanny and working in a nanny agency for several years, I purchased the successful Nation-Wide Nanny Placement Agency. After finding that we needed to expand, Nannies4hire.com and Care4hire.com was born. Care4hire.com is an online database for families and caregivers to search babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous service. A free preview of available caregivers is available to families. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours to a few days, you will find it at Care4hire.com. Besides relationships with Dr. Phil, Supernanny, TLC, Inc. 500, receiving the Mom's Choice Award and a Finalist for the Stevie Award, we have been helping wonderful families and caregivers since 1987.

Follow Candi on Twitter @Nannies4Hire & @Care4Hire - Subscribe to her Blog

1 Mom Loves Comments:

Candi said...

There are so many benefits when hiring a nanny; especially when having a party. Don't be afraid to ask for help, a nanny can help you get your house ready, help with cooking or entertain the kids while getting yourself ready.

 
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