| Are you one who has determined that having birthday | | | | the theme, take him with when you shop for the party |
| parties at home is just too stressful so you avoid them | | | | favors and paper goods - ask him what he wants! |
| with fear and trembling? A little planning can go a long | | | | You'll be glad you did! |
| way. With it you can help you turn a potentially chaotic | | | | Grab a photographer - You want to remember the |
| mess into a wonderful birthday party that your child will | | | | day in photos but often the last thing on your mind |
| remember for the rest of his life. | | | | during the actual party is taking pictures because |
| So how do you throw the best birthday party ever | | | | you're so busy with the kids or the parents or getting |
| and still remain sane? Let's review four top tips to help | | | | the candles on the cake that the camera gets left on |
| make the day stress free: | | | | the counter unused. Snag one of the other parents or |
| Make a Plan - A birthday party checklist will help to | | | | a neighbor friend to be in charge of the photography |
| keep you on track and in control. No more "Oh I hope I | | | | of the day. Make sure you communicate which |
| didn't forget something". With this single step you will | | | | pictures you want to have taken if you have special |
| have built in reminders and take the pressure off | | | | ones you want, but otherwise, let them just snap |
| instantly. Include even the things that you know you | | | | away. The beauty of digital cameras is that you can |
| won't forget like "bake a cake" or "buy paper goods" | | | | take tons of pictures and delete the ones that don't |
| just so you know that everything is there and will be | | | | work. |
| taken care of. Have a section on your list to keep | | | | Hire Help - Ask an older sibling or cousin to assist you |
| track of the items you need to buy as well as a | | | | during the planning and especially on the birthday party |
| detailed timeline. This also helps if you have people | | | | day. Your helpers can serve as clean up crew or |
| helping you with the party as they will know what's | | | | even be in charge of the games and activities. This |
| been done and still needs to be done based on your | | | | way you can focus on your child or the guest's |
| checklist. | | | | parents, etc. You can, of course, pay them a small |
| Get the birthday child involved - Keep in mind that your | | | | wage for their time or give them a special present or |
| child is the focus of the day so he should be consulted | | | | gift certificate from you for their help. |
| and involved in a majority of the planning and | | | | These small steps and some advanced preparation |
| preparations. It may take some extra time but having | | | | will help you to have a fun, memorable party without |
| him involved will really make him feel special - and | | | | pulling your hair out. Keep your birthday child as the |
| that's the goal of the day after all! Have him choose | | | | focus and the rest of the day will go smoothly! Enjoy! |