| It is important to keep in mind that what seems to | | | | simple you are saving yourself that stress as well. |
| make a party for a baby or a toddler is not the | | | | Keep the party limited to no more than two hours; this |
| expense you go to, but the enthusiasm you muster. | | | | way you can get to all the games, presents and |
| Too often in parents in their enthusiasm to celebrate | | | | snacks without anyone having a meltdown. And then |
| their little ones birthday go to all out extremes to | | | | when it's, done it's done. Make sure that parents are |
| produce a birthday party that would rival a Hollywood | | | | aware of the pickup time for their young party goers. |
| set. Then after all the work is done they find their | | | | · Keep the itinerary simple. You can have |
| youngster hiding in their room or dissolved in tears due | | | | snacks laid out as everyone arrives, follow with an |
| to being totally overwhelmed. While an all out birthday | | | | activity or game for the kids to do along with more |
| fete is always fun, keep in mind that you can celebrate | | | | food. You can then make a big fuss over the cake |
| your child's birthday in a way that will make both you | | | | and follow this with a final activity or game (or gift |
| and him happy. Best of all you will lessen your stress | | | | opening if you do this during the party). Then hand out |
| and save yourself both time and money. Here are | | | | party bags and send everyone on their way. There is |
| some ideas about birthday parties simplified for kids- | | | | no need to devise an overly complicated party |
| · Pick a simple theme - Even though you are | | | | schedule for young kids. |
| keeping things simple, having a theme will keep the | | | | · Don't pick complicated games and activities |
| party on track. After you have picked the date then | | | | for children under the age of seven. While older |
| go ahead and pick the theme based on what your | | | | children can tackle some games, toddlers are too |
| child really likes. Party planning is much easier if you | | | | young for structured games like musical chairs. It |
| have a concept to work around. The key here is to | | | | works best to try simpler things, such as playing with |
| keep it simple and easy to do. If your child likes a | | | | bubbles, freeze dancing, a dance party, or drawing with |
| popular character or even trucks, there is probably a | | | | sidewalk chalk. Remember the kids will not be critiquing |
| party-ware pack with that theme. Or to keep things | | | | your party for sophisticated activities. Simple things |
| even simpler choose your child's favorite color. A | | | | work best; blowing horns, wearing hats, and being silly |
| creative mom chose a red ball theme for her child's | | | | will also make your child feel feted. |
| birthday party. Everyone was asked to wear red | | | | · Keep the food simple - Remember this is not |
| (which makes for great photos) and she had red | | | | a gourmet crowd. The best food for kid's parties is |
| bouncy balls for all the kids to play with (easy and | | | | simple and uncomplicated. Even if your youngster |
| economical). Best of all there is never a shortage of | | | | happens to be a gourmand keep in mind that most |
| red party ware to complete the theme. | | | | kids are not. Simple, bite size foods like cheese sticks, |
| · Keep the party short - Too often parents | | | | baby carrots and even mini muffins can be a hit with |
| feel that due to the work and expense they have | | | | the younger crowd. You may want to forego messy |
| gone to that their child's birthday party must go on all | | | | cake and ice cream and offer your young party goers |
| afternoon. The result is an overwhelmed birthday boy | | | | a donut or cupcake (appropriately decorated with the |
| or girl and overtired and cranky guests. By keeping it | | | | theme of course)! |