We all make mistakes – we’re human!

But throwing an super fun party for your child can be a breeze – once you know which stress-inducing mistakes to avoid.

Read this quick post to discover 5 common birthday party planning pitfalls (and how to easily avoid them!)

1. Scheduling food and activities for the same time slot
   Nothing derails a birthday party faster than a spilled drink or plate of food that (inevitably) gets stepped on. Avoid disaster by scheduling games and entertainment separately from the time when kids eat.
   
2. Trying to plan the entire party by yourself 
   Sure you can do everything yourself, but it’s harder and more stressful than you think.  Recruit enough help before the party so that you have a chance to relax and enjoy your child’s special day, too.
   
3. Choosing a date before finding out if the best friend is free
   It’s deceptively easy to just invite everyone and hope for the best, but a pro-tip is to check-in with the parents of your child’s best friend before choosing a date is a guaranteed win for everyone.
   
4. Planning an outdoor party without a backup plan
   Avoid huge disappointment by making sure you have a plan for inclement weather that’s better than just “hoping for the best” . As they say in show business, “The party must go on!”
   
5. Waiting until the last minute to start planning
   The sooner you start planning, the more choices you’ll have.

Let my experience performing for hundreds of parties guide you and avoid falling into these 5 common birthday party planning traps

– you’ll be happy you did!

If the thought of having a birthday party for kids in your Norristown house or apartment makes your blood pressure spike, then you’re not alone…

Many parents envision children running around, wrecking the furniture and messing up the carpet.

There’s hope – it doesn’t have to be that way. You can plan a safe, entertaining and inclusive birthday in even the most intimate of apartments.

How? Simply follow these 5 Simple Rules:

• Keep it simple. A never-miss birthday party formulaincludes party games, entertainment, pizza, cake, presents and good-byes. If you stay with this tried and true formula, then you’ll see fun, laughter and joy on the faces of kids and adults alike.  

• Keep it active. Time flies when you’re having fun! Give yourself the ability to set the pace of the party by planning more activities than you think you’ll need.
  • A good rule of thumb is to have an activity handy for every 10-15 minute block of time.
  • After about 30-45 minutes of games, treat the kids to an appearance by a professional birthday party entertainer.
  • Relax and enjoy the show, and before you know it, it’ll be time for the kids to go home.   

• Keep it structured. Before the party, set expectations and go over the guidlines with your son or daughter.
  • Close doors to rooms where guests should not go.
  • Hang balloons and decorations to define the party area

• Keep it short.
  • If you have a toddler or preschooler, then a party that runs between 60 to 90 minutes is ideal.
  • If your child is older, then aim for a party that runs between 2 to 3 hours.

• Keep it manageable. I understand the pressure you may feel to invite the entire class or splurge on a bigger birthday party. But here’s the truth…
  • You don’t need to.
  • Only plan a party that you know you can manage. That way, you’ll have a chance to relax and enjoy the day, too.
  • So, in between the greeting, the supervising, the food serving and cake cutting, find a chance to soak up all the fun, laughter and joy.
  • Why? Because you deserve it.

If you follow these 5 Simple Rules, then you can be assured that many of your worries and fears will disappear, well, like magic!