10 things to NOT have or do for your next party!

As a Party entertainer and planner here are some of my recommendations on things NOT to do for your next kids party.

1. *Party Blowers* DONT buy them!

• These noisy little devices can quickly escalate from fun to irritating. While they seem like a harmless addition, the constant high-pitched noise, especially if there are a lot of kids, can drive both parents and kids crazy. Plus, they often end up being tossed around or broken, creating unnecessary mess.  Ask yourself how is the party going to go if you have spent money in investing in a professional entertainer only to have the kids just blow these in their face and not actually enjoy the program.

2. *Other Parents Hovering Around* Have a DROP OFF

• While some parents might want to stay, having many adults hanging around turns your kids party into a family party.  If the number of adults out weighs the number of kids you should consider a family party program.  The noise in the space with adults there is one challenge along side space restraints.

3. *Inviting the Whole Class*

• Inviting everyone from school or an entire class might seem inclusive, but it can lead to chaos.  Not all kids like the same things and tailoring your party to your own Childs interests plus inviting kids whom you believe will enjoy it with them is the best synario.

4. *Hosting the Party at Your House*

• – While hosting a party at home may seem like a cost-effective option, it can actually lead to more challenges than anticipated. Children are more likely to become unruly and less engaged in planned activities when in a familiar environment with distractions such as toys and bedrooms, tv and games consoles. House parties can quickly become messy and difficult to manage, requiring extra effort to keep things organized and under control. Consider alternative venues or outdoor spaces to minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for both the children and the hosts. Planning ahead and setting clear guidelines can also help maintain order and create a more structured and fun atmosphere for everyone involved.

5. *Overloaded Candy and Sugary Treats*

• While it’s tempting to have a candy buffet or sugary treats galore, too much sugar can lead to hyperactive kids and, later, a sugar crash. It’s better to balance treats with some healthier snack options to avoid the inevitable sugar overload that leaves kids irritable.

6. *Over-Scheduling the Party*

• It’s easy to fall into the trap of cramming too many activities into a short time frame. Over-scheduling can make the party feel rushed and stressful for both you and the guests. Instead, plan a few key activities and leave room for snacks and cake.  Dont throw all activities at the kids at once, build the program so it has a start middle and end.  That way everyone will enjoy themselves.
• More isn’t always more when planning a party. It’s important to consider how different activities will work together to ensure a successful event. For example, booking a bouncy castle and a magic show at the same time may not be the best idea as the noise from the bouncy castle can distract from the magician’s performance. To get the most value for your money, consider staggering the activities or temporarily pausing one to allow the other to shine. This will help the magician gather and maintain the children’s attention, leading to a more enjoyable experience for everyone. By carefully planning and coordinating your party activities, you can ensure a smooth and memorable event for all involved.

7. * Piñata STICKS*

• Do not give kids a 9 iron to smash a pint it is a really really bad idea and one I have seen many times.   If you want your kids to try out golf lessons do it as a one on one.  Swinging one around with 20 other kids in close proximity is a sure way to end your party in A&E.
• If you still want a Piñata then it’s important to prioritize safety when incorporating them into your celebrations. Here are some key tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable piñata experience at your next party:

  1. Before starting the game, clearly communicate rules to the children, such as not approaching the piñata while someone is holding the stick.
  2. Provide candy bags for collecting treats once the piñata breaks.
  3. Have children line up at a safe distance from the person hitting the piñata.
  4. Allow each child a few attempts to break the piñata before passing the stick to the next participant.
  5. Avoid using inappropriate items, such as golf clubs, as piñata sticks. Opt for a proper piñata stick to prevent injuries.
  6. Ensure that every child has a turn to hit the piñata to prevent any disappointment or tears.

  By following these guidelines, you can create a fun and safe piñata experience for all party guests.

8. DONT STRESS IF YOUR BIRTHDAY CHILD BECOMES THE PARTY-POOPER – its usually because they are overwhelmed.

• So, picture this: you’ve gone all out planning a fantastic party for your kid, only to have them in a sour mood on the big day. What’s a parent to do? First things first, take a moment to figure out what’s got your child feeling off. Maybe they’re tired, hungry, or just overwhelmed. It’s crucial to acknowledge their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel that way. Consider giving them a sneak peek of the party setup before guests arrive to ease them into the festivities. Focus on spending quality time with your child to help them feel at ease and supported. Remember, their emotional well-being trumps any party plans. Show them love and understanding, and the party will work itself out. Prioritize your child’s happiness over everything else, and the memories will be all the sweeter for it.

9. DONT GET UPSET IF NOT ALL THE KIDS WANT TO JOIN THE FUN

• Don’t Stress Over the Quiet Kids at Parties! We all know that one kid who prefers to sit on the sidelines. Maybe it’s more than one – that’s okay! My youngest is one of those kids. She’ll attend a party and watch from the corner, but later she’ll tell me all about the games and activities she “played.” It’s important to remember that not all kids enjoy the same things. Some are perfectly content observing from afar. So, relax and let them be. Forcing them to participate can be stressful for everyone. If you’re worried about these kids at your event, provide some quiet activities like coloring sheets. Remember, every child is different, and that’s what makes them special!

10. DONT STRESS ABOUT MESS!

• Parties for kids can get messy, but that’s all part of the fun! Embrace the chaos and let the kids enjoy themselves without worrying about the mess. Consider setting up designated messy play areas with easy-to-clean surfaces or providing aprons and wipes for easy cleanup. You could also plan messy activities like finger painting or slime making to channel the mess in a controlled way. Remember that getting messy is a natural part of childhood development and allows kids to explore their creativity and sensory experiences. So relax, have fun, and let the kids enjoy making memories at their party, mess and all!  But most important DONT STRESS!