Kiddie parties can be fun to organize and all. Seeing your little one enthusiastic about their birthday party is a heartwarming moment and as a parent, you'd do everything to make their wishes come true. You'd make sure the party venue will be filled with all things kiddie: games, food, props, and theme. All the kids invited will have a blast, but can we say the same for the parents?
Unfortunately, many parents are left bored because there's nothing much for them to do at a kiddie party. They'd be seated most of the time, forced to eat kiddie food, watching their kids, and browsing through their feeds later on to ease their growing boredom. If your child is about to have their birthday party soon, don't be one of those parents who throw a kiddie party that's boring for adults! Here are some tips to help you:
Theme Ideas
If your kid is struggling to think of a theme or is simply too young to decide, consider themes that are appealing to both children and adults. Gender-neutral themes might also be more preferable so that no girl or boy would feel out-of-place.
A vintage-inspired gumball party is a good option. It can be reminiscent of your younger days before being a parent, and kids will be treated to their favorite sweets. It's also a highly colorful and lively theme, thrilling kids to no end and impressing many adults. A circus theme also emits a similar vibe, and though it may be unfamiliar to kids, it'll stimulate their imaginative minds so they'll surely love it.
A coastal or nautical theme is perfect if one of the parents works in the Marines, or is a seafarer, or just someone simply fascinated with the ocean. Colors are on the simpler side, sticking to mainly refreshing blues and whites. Consider a makeshift-ship venue to level up the experience.
If you want the adults to get more involved, a scavenger hunt party may be the key! Make them join their kids in the game, or better yet, design the game specifically for adults, and assign the kids to be their aides.
Dos and Don'ts
To make a kiddie party enjoyable for adults, you need to know your dos and don'ts. Sometimes, what you think is an awesome idea is actually a terrible one!
Do: Have Adult-Sized Seating Areas
You may be so caught up in renting kiddie chairs and tables that you forget your adult guests! Your pals won't appreciate being treated like a hobbit, so provide comfortable adult-sized seating areas for them. Trust reputable companies that offer party table rental in Utah and other states to supply you with your party needs.
Don't: Have Activities That Require Heavy Adult Assistance
An example of this is face painting. Exciting as it may sound, the kids waiting in line could grow impatient and get moody, and some of them may request drawings that are beyond the artist's capabilities. Simply put, don't plan on games that may result in temper tantrums.
Do: Have a Separate Menu for Adults
Adults have long outgrown kiddie versions of party food, so do serve a separate menu that'll satisfy their taste buds and stomachs. Include adult drinks as well - not necessarily alcohol, but perhaps coffee or soda.
Don't: Plan Messy Activities
Try to rule out games and activities that will require parents to keep an eye out for their kids. We understand that you want kids to have a great time, but if it's at the expense of anxious and stressed-out parents, then the party's better off with less intense activities.
Do: Consider A Kids-Only Party
If most of the kids invited are least seven years old, they can be old enough to play with minimal supervision. Let parents drop off their kids to your home and volunteer to be the guardian. The stress is on you, but in return, your parent friends will greatly appreciate your effort and will surely return the favor sometime; maybe with a treat to a drink or two.