Your best bet is to plan the
party around these 4 'S's: small, simple, sensible
and short. While it won't guarantee a perfect party
but it will help reduce the risk of disaster and
improve the odds of a happy memorable event.
The right guest list:
Your guest list should be primarily made up of adults
your toddlers knows well and likes. Don't go overboard
if you have plans to include her peers. Try to keep
the numbers even so the children can play in pairs.
Give mums and dads the option of staying for all
or part of the party so that it not only eases the
situation of handling all the toddlers by yourself
but also minimizes the potential for tears.
The right time:
Timing is crucial. Schedule the party to accommodate
your toddler's routine. Avoid nap times, hungry
times (even if there is going to be food at the
party, feed your toddler before the guests arrive
so that hunger won't trigger high anxiety). For
many children, late morning or early afternoon are
best. Keep the party short (one and a half hours
to 3 hours will make it easier for your toddler
to stay at his best behavior.
The right place:
Avoid anything too elaborate like having the party
at the museum; party at home - indoors or outside
of your apartment like a party hall or barbeque
area in your condominium is the most suitable right
now. Keep safety in mind as you plan the setting.
Another option is to stage a small celebration at
your toddler's daycare centre or school, bringing
along the birthday cake and other treats to be served
at snacks time. Try and tie in goodie bags for each
of your child's playmate.
The right supplies:
Use a light hand in decorating; anything elaborate
may overwhelm. Decorate with your child's favorite
Disney or other cartoon characters as the theme
of the party. Add some streamers and some balloons
and party hats. Avoid loud masks, noisemakers and
anything else that might frighten young guests.
Don't forget the plastic plates, spoons and other
cutlery.
The right fare:
Serve foods and beverages that are toddler-safe;
avoid party munchables - nuts, popcorns, sausages,
grapes even they are not meant for toddler consumption.
If you are serving more than cake and ice-cream
consider finger foods like potato fries or chips,
noodles, cheese sandwiches or mini pizzas are a
few examples.
The right activities:
Magicians, clowns with scary make up may frighten
some two year olds. Check with the all mothers if
it is ok to have such formal entertainment before
you make the arrangements. Safe games are:
Games - stick to games where everybody
is a winner. Such non-competitive circle games include
London Bridge, Ring-a-ring o'roses.
Dancing - just turn on the music
and let the children dance their excess energy away.
Singing - lead the group in renditions
of 'The wheels on the bus', 'Itsy-bitsy spider',
'Hickory-dickory dock' and other such rhymes which
are a favorite with many kids this age.
The highlight activity should be the birthday cake.
Be sure to practise blowing out candles with your
toddler before the party. That way he gets prepared
for the birthday ritual as well as gain practise
on blowing out the candle(s).
The right expectations:
Expecting your toddler to be the gracious little
host is unreasonable and unrealistic. Acting his
age, at his age means acting like a toddler: egocentric,
unpredictable, and strong-willed or shy and unsociable
or any combination of the above. Expect instead
some minor embarrassments (not appreciative of his
birthday gift) or major accidents (whole cup of
drink spill, fight with another toddler). Don't
be surprised if your birthday kid does not even
seem to appreciate his party very much. That is
normal too.
