How can you involve your child in planning the birthday party?

If you think planning your child’s party yourself would be easier or more efficient, then you’re missing out on half the fun!

Planning a birthday party with your child can also give them a sense of ownership, open up opportunities for teachable moments, and allow them to manage the day’s expectations.

So, without further ado, get ready to discover 10 easy ways to get your child involved in birthday party planning.

1. Choose a theme: What kind of party would your child like to have? At the basketball party? At the Mickey Mouse party? Brainstorm some possibilities on your own, but then ask your child for suggestions, too.
2. Shopping: To avoid overspending, go to the store with a list of the supplies you’ll need for the birthday party. Then give your child a special task, such as “You’re in charge of making sure we have balloons.” You can make them laugh by pretending to forget why you came to the store. When they say, “We need balloons,” pretend to mishear them and say, “Do we need baboons?” Adlib as needed. This bit is great fun for kids ages 4-6.
3. Make a guest list: A fun way to reinforce letters and spelling is to ask your child to say or write the names of people they would like to invite.
4. Choice of games and activities.: Popular party games include Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Pass the Parcel, and Musical Chairs. Your child may also have a favorite game in the gym or during recess. Time flies when you’re having fun, so be sure to plan more activities than you think you’ll need.
5. write invitations: Add a personal touch to your invitations by having your child write their name and draw a picture.
6. Sending of invitations: Putting stamps on envelopes can be tedious, but you can make it fun by turning the task into a game. Divide the invitations into two stacks (one for you and one for your child) and see who can finish sealing their stack first. Then go outside and put them together in the mailbox.
7. Choose a birthday party entertainer: Sit back and watch demo videos together. Which one catches your attention? Which one does your child ask to see again and again?
8. decorating: Make your child’s day extra special by creating a ritual from their room decor together. You can also put them in charge of writing and/or decorating a sign for guests that says “Welcome!” or “Please take off your shoes.”
9. make party favors: Tie dye t-shirts are a fun and easy activity to do together, and they’re perfect for goodie bags too!
10. bake the cake: Depending on your child’s age, you can reinforce sizes, fractions, textures, vocabulary and more while cooking. Literacy has never been so delicious!

See how much fun planning a birthday party with your child can be?

After absorbing these ideas, you’re sure to discover your own fun ways to involve your child in birthday party planning.

For making your child’s party the most FUN and SPECIAL yet!