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Just a caution to watch out with things that can be thrown (beanbags) or poked (toy swords). Kids get overexcited at parties - you don't want anyone to get hit (even by a beanbag) or worse, stuck with a toy sword or something similar, so set the stage accordingly.
I can remember getting very upset by having my balloon "favor" popped by the obstreperous, bossy, bullying brother of the birthday girl at a party across the street from my grandparents' house, where my family was visiting. I burst into tears and ran home to my grandparents (thankfully, it was a very quiet street), then was embarrassed when the party-giving mother came over to apologize and retrieve me.
I was about six or seven at the time, and was not a particularly weepy or hyper-sensitive child - but obviously I was keyed up because of the party, and having my balloon deliberately destroyed was just too much! So, especially with younger children, keep it simple and low-key and avoid potential "dangers" of this kind.
Thanks for the advice, everyone. You've really helped a lot.
I think I'm going to skip the music since at least 2 of the kids have sensory disorders, so the music might overwhelm them. The parents will probably be happier, too!
Sounds like the general consensus is skip the music, or at least only have a couple songs.
Good to hear that I'm over thinking this! I was wondering how much is too much, and I do have a tendency to overdo things.
I was afraid other parents would arrive and think, "No music? Where are the activities? This poor child has a TERRIBLE MOTHER!" And all the kids would be disappointed and board.
I'm confident about most things in life, but not about being "fun" or an organized mom.
It doesn't help that some relatives all throw huge extravaganzas for their kids, with bounce houses and professional-worthy decorations - I've seen parties for toddlers that rivaled some weddings.
I feel like the "lazy mom" of the family.
Listen, for my kid's sixth birthday, which was at the end of August, I invited about ten kids to come hang out in my parents' backyard. I had pizza and an ice cream cake and I went to the party store and bought some games, like pin the tail on the donkey and a few others and made up goodie bags with candy and toys. Do you know what the kids did the whole time? They didn't want to play any stinkin' games. There was a rope in my parents' backyard tied to a tree limb. It had been there since my younger brothers were teenagers and had climbed the tree and put it up. The kids all stood on line waiting for their turn to jump off the picnic tables and swing on the rope, then they got right back on the line. This went on for at least an hour of the two-hour party.
No music needed, no games, just some food and a rope hanging from a tree. Don't overplan.
The party was a big hit - my son had a great time, and so did all the other kids!
Thanks for the great advice.
Great to hear. Did you do the "Humpty Dance"?
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