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Scheduling and Time Management
Answer:
Logistics are key when dealing with kids, especially in the birthday party
mode! Not only do you need to have a nice pace to keep the party moving,
and little minds occupied and content, you need also to be prepared for the
inevitable meltdown from at least one partygoer if not more. With two
parties in one month, you might find yourself trying to outdo yourself. How so? By working extra hard to make each party distinctly
unique, being overly concerned about one child overshadowing another. End
result? Double the work, and double your stress load. Try these steps and
see how they can help you streamline your TO DO List with your kids having a
ball on the most special day of their year.
STEP 1: Keep it small. One of the most common mistakes we make when
planning our kids parties is letting the size of the guest list multiply in
the dark. Consider groups no more than 5 to 8 guests per child. This can
be tough depending on your social environment but remember, you call the
shots for what works best for your family unit. End of discussion. As a
rule, consider limiting the guest list to the age of the child, 7 years old,
7 friends. Depending on their ages, you might condense each guest list into
one great day of fun shared by all, with 2 separate cakes of course!
Perhaps this combined group of partygoers would love an unique party
location not usually seen on the birthday circuit in their circle of
friends, such as a local children's museum, water park or ice rink.
Depending on the ages of the children involved, you might also consider
inviting a few of the parents along to assist in the chaperoning for safety
issues.
STEP 2: Work smarter, not harder! If holding a joint party doesn't suit
your family, then make certain to double up on all your efforts. For quick
and efficient party planning, consult a resource like Family Fun's Birthday
Party Idea Book, FamilyFun.com or AmazingMoms.com. Here you can find excellent ideas for
your themes and check lists to help you outline all the necessary tasks
involved. Take this list of tasks and back them out 2 months on the
calendar before your first party date. Then double everything on the list,
affording you enough supplies, etc. for each event. This will give you
adequate time to select themes, locations if not at home, purchase
supplies, send out invitations, order your cakes, and even order themed
party favors including bags. Purchase and address pre-printed thank-you
notes in advance, leaving each child to simply write the name of the gift
and sign her name after receiving her gifts. Consult your local Parent's
Newspaper or online community for references on entertainers, like the
Reptile Lady, or Party in a Box services that will do the shopping for you.
When you purchase items for one party, just purchase the appropriate similar
items for the next. And there you have it...planning 2 parties at once!
Now, how are you supposed to incorporate personal party planning into the
grand scheme of your TO DO List? Like any working Mom, finding time for
personal logistics can keep you on edge. Capitalize on your lunch hours and
commute time for phone calls or an occasional errand. Remember, you've
given allotted at least 2 months for smooth sailing so expect to find
yourself in control of these wonderful celebrations. Beginning 1 month
before the first date, review your joint TO DO List daily and adjust it
accordingly as things change. Utilize on-line shopping resources for gifts
from you to your kids, saving you a trip to the store and allowing you to
shop from your seat, not from your feet! Remember, we live in a society
that demands convenience. Put it to work for you...you'll be delighted with
each event and the kids will have a ball!
More advice for planning a birthday party
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