My personal do's and don's for hosting kids b days

Hey Mama! 🌟

Oh, man... birthday parties! Is it just me, or can they cause a lot of stress? I'm guessing I'm not alone in that sentiment. After a couple of kids and many birthday parties, I'm starting to get my groove on what works and what doesn't (at least for us and our family!).

In the end, it's all about celebrating and honoring the child, creating special memories, and should be an act of love and care – so let's make it simple! 

Here are my top do's and don'ts. Take what works for you and leave the rest!

The Do’s:

Plan Ahead and Keep It Simple: Start early to avoid last-minute stress! I always create a simple paper or Google doc with the guest list, what I plan to serve (with a grocery list), any decorations (I keep those minimal), and any activities. Having it all on one page helps me think through everything and prevents overplanning.

Delegate and Accept Help: If you're like me, you have the best friends and family in the world! Many people ask, "What can I bring?" or "How can I help?" Take them up on it! Even delegating one dish to a family member so not everything is homemade will help. People want to help; let them!

Set Realistic Expectations: Keep in mind that perfection isn't the goal. Kids' parties are about having fun, creating cherished memories, and making the birthday kid feel special! Don't pressure yourself to meet unrealistic standards.

Simplify the Food: Opt for easy-to-prepare or catered food options that require minimal effort. Pizza, finger foods, sandwiches, or a simple barbecue can be crowd-pleasers.

The Don'ts:

Don't Overdo the Decor: While decorations can be fun, avoid going overboard. Kids are more interested in the games and activities than extravagant decor.

Skip the Extravagant Favors: Elaborate party favors are unnecessary. Simple goody bags with a few treats and a thank-you note work perfectly well.( or if you are a grinch like me, skip them entirely!)

Don't Stress Over Themes: Kids won't remember if the napkins perfectly match the tablecloth. Focus on creating a memorable experience rather than striving for perfection.

Avoid Scheduling Overload: Don't cram the party with too many activities. Leave space for free play and spontaneity.

Remember, the key to a successful kids' birthday party is crafting a joyful and unforgettable experience for your child and their friends.Keeping it simple, enjoyable, and stress-free is the true recipe for success. Enjoy the celebration! 🎈🍰🎉