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Kid's Party Time
 The timing of your party
is critical for its success; this is especially true in younger children. When
you plan for the best time of day and the length of the party it makes the
party more enjoyable for everyone and it makes it easier for you.
When
deciding the best timing of your party there are some factors that you must
take in to consideration:
What is the age of your
child and the children to be invited?
Most
often young children under the age of 5 handle morning parties best. Many
children still nap and it should be taken in to consideration- not only will
they enjoy the party but they will be better behaved and make the party
more enjoyable for the adults as well. There is no fun with cranky kids at a party, especially a crowd of
them.
Birthday parties are not
recommended for children at one year old. Children of this age have no idea what
the big deal is, if you do decide to throw a party for your child, keep it
small and short, one hour would be
ideal. At one year old children can become quickly overwhelmed with all the
excitement and may not enjoy the ordeal at all. This celebration is about you
as a parent and those close to your child- it is a very big day and significant
milestone. Can you believe how much your baby has grown and changed in only one
year?
Children between the age
of 2 and 3 often still have afternoon naps. An exciting party day should be planned
around children’s nap time, especially if yours won’t be the only one of the
age group. Morning parties work well because parents can still get their child home
for their lunch and regular routine. The
party should only be about an hour long and no longer than 1.5 hours; young
children have short attention spans and won’t be entertained long. You don’t
want a bunch of cranky tots, they won’t enjoy themselves and neither will you
or the other parents.
By the age of 4, most
children will better handle an afternoon party. By preschool age
children will enjoy a simple lunch and an early afternoon party. Children between 4 and 8 years old can
usually handle a party that lasts 1.5-2 hours.
Kids aged 8 and up may
start requesting sleepover parties; they are also old enough to help host their
own party. At
this age kids can handle a party for 1.5-3
hours if it isn’t a sleepover and can easily handle later afternoon and
evening parties. If you plan a
sleepover, the party shouldn’t start too late, the party should not start
any later than 6-7 pm.
Whether you decide to
throw a meal will affect the timing of the party at any age. If you are going to
provide a meal, a party can be planned for the meal hours. If you will not
provide a meal it is important to plan your party around the meal time, 1-4 is
an ideal afternoon party time as guests can have lunch before they arrive and
home in time for supper.
The
above are only general guidelines and should only be used to assist you in
planning your party, the biggest factor you need to consider is your own child,
the party is about them and they should enjoy it.
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