Back when we were young, parents hired a babysitter to entertain us while the adults mingled with little to no interruption from the kids. Today, kids are seen and heard a lot more in just about every aspect of our lives. Kids love parties as much as adults, and they want to feel included in family events, especially if it takes place in their home. Plus, by hosting an at-home get-together, you can help all families involved keep costs down. Here’s how to make a slightly separate kid-and-adult party work.
Zone it. Designate a kids’ zone, either inside or outside your house, where kids have enough space to do their own thing. Make sure you’ve removed the breakables or anything you don’t want handled, even if it’s in your child’s bedroom. Make sure to set up child-friendly snacks (like pizza bagels) in their own space.
Organize activities ahead of time. Set up an arts table with enough supplies to keep children happy—from markers and glue to empty paper rolls. You can even link a craft to an activity. For example, plan a scavenger hunt in which children must first make binoculars from empty rolls of toilet paper. Post notes around the house or yard with instructions leading them to the next clue. At the end of the hunt, have enough prizes for every child. If you’re expecting children of various ages, let the older ones supervise or lead the activities. Aim to have more activities than you actually have time for.
Join in the fun. Plan an activity that both the children and adults can enjoy together. Try Junior Pictionary, bingo, or charades. Have age-appropriate prizes for the winners. Or toward the end of the party, let the kids perform a skit, dance contest, or magic show that they have been preparing throughout the evening. If you don’t want the disruption of a live show, let the older kids record it with a camcorder for everyone to watch together. Add to the fun by providing the kids with a few simple costumes and props.
Enlist their help. If you’re having only one or two children at the party, include them by assigning them easy tasks. One child could greet the guests as they enter, while another could take coats or offer appetizers. Throughout the party, they could change CDs or help clear away trash. The guests will be impressed and the children will feel proud of their contribution to a successful party.
Music for All Ears
If you don’t want to separate the music played at your next party, you can find picks to appeal to both kids and adults. Two artists who produce kid tunes you won’t mind listening to (and may even find yourself happily humming later): Dan Zanes and Justin Roberts. And parents report that the Beatles are often appealing to older kids.
Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
