A Beginner's Guide to Kid's Parties

Editorial

Engagement bashes, graduation parties, baptisms; these are not so much rituals these days as booming market sectors. The economy might be slow but our spending metabolism for parties is quick with the average Australian wedding now costing at fifty grand.

A hard figure on kids’ parties is difficult to estimate but the rise-and-rise of Event Management for junior puts it somewhere in the mid four figures. We’re each spending thousands every year on every birthday boy or girl.

Of course, time-poor parents find it hard to resist (a) the opportunity to outsource and (b) the charms of Little Aidan who insists that everyone at crèche has personalised Swarovski gift bags and unlimited rides on the backs of endangered species. If you have the means to contract the Do out and hire your son a panda, by all means, do so. If you are constrained by budget and you suspect that we might be giving in to childish whims (theirs and ours) a little too easily, perhaps you might consider a little retro-thrift.

Just as home is made of love, not money, a kid’s birthday party must be made primarily of joy. And, one or two lessons. The first is a tutorial in imagination and choice.

When you ask your little ‘un how they’d like to celebrate their birthday, they’ll ask for the unfeasible right up to the age of ten and, quite possibly, beyond. Requests might include a trip to the moon, a visit to Oz or a pony grafted with the head of Hannah Montana. This is a great occasion for your issue to exercise their creativity and offer you wonderful ideas for the celebration; remember, kids are rarely short of inspiration and we can leave the selection of a theme up to them. This is also a great time for you to turn big requests into child-size propositions and offer a little hands-on experience in choice.

When you’ve discussed Tiny’s hopes and allowed birthday imagination free reign, present them with choices; preferably no more than two. For example, if Short Pants has requested a trip to the moon, the options could be (a) an evening trip to a local observatory with a half-dozen friends preceded by a little gathering where everyone eats “astronaut” food (b) a space-themed at-home birthday party with a larger number of guests. By controlling choices, you ensure that bub is neither under-challenged nor overwhelmed.

Have a budget and stick to it firmly. Understandably, many parents like to keep their kids free from the burden of finance but you may find it helpful to explain to tot that guest numbers are limited for high-cost activities. Of course, to a four-year-old, the rationale “because mummy said so” will suffice. To any kid old enough to earn, spend and save pocket money, though, a brief primer on why everyone in Grade Three can’t be dressed in Vera Wang fairy outfits is perfectly acceptable.

Depending on both your approach to parenting and the age of your child, you may wish to offer a little briefing on hospitality. While it’s true that smallfry is the honoured guest, it’s also true that he or she can learn the value of greeting guests, thanking others for their generosity and in helping produce the event. There are few kids who do not love, for example, the chance to show off their culinary skill; my eight-year-old niece was delighted to tell all partygoers that she was the author of a “nutritious” fruit salad. Made chiefly of marshmallow fluff!

Birthday parties are immense fun. Their planning and execution will long live in your heart and will be a formative experience of learning and love for your kid. Let your little one be your inspiration and responsibility be your guide. You do not have to spend a bomb. All you need do is explode with warmth.

Helen Razer, Citysearch