1. Plan the party length with your child's age in mind. 1 1/2 hours is enough for your 1-3 year-old and 2 1/2 to 3 hours is appropriate for a 10 year old. If you plan to serve lunch or dinner, add 1/2 hour.

2. Call your child's best friend to make sure they can make the party date before you invite the other guests. This gives you the opportunity to pick a different date so your child has their special friend at their party.

3. Send your invitations out at least 2 weeks before the party date.

4. Plan more games to play then you'll have time for. This allows you to go on to another game if your guests aren't having fun, or if you finish the games faster than you planned.

5. Play "everyone wins" games. Musical chairs has only one child smiling at the end of the game. Try playing the game by removing only the chairs. All the kids stay in the game trying to fit on the chairs that are left. Everyone will be smiling during this game.

6. Make sure you, the parent, have fun yourself. Having as much of the party pre-planned will help. If you are having a theme to your party, dress-up yourself and get involved!

7. Plan the first activity to keep your guests busy while you wait for late arrivals. The activity should make everyone feel welcome at the party.

8. Take a Polaroid photo of each child when they arrive. Place a photo at each place setting. When you call them to the table for cake, they'll sit down in front of their picture. The photo can go home as a party memento.

9. Plan a table activity to keep your guests busy while you're getting the cake and drinks ready.

10. Plan a quiet game at the end of the party. Your party favor bags can include a toy for this purpose, or have everyone watch the video of the party.

Your child's birthday is a special day for you and your child. I can remember each of my children's parties and it helps me remember their younger years which can go by so quickly. A birthday party lets your child know they are special to you and their friends. It is an opportunity for you to share this special time together. Can you remember your own parties as a child? Stop the clock on every birthday and soak up the moment. Children all agree, the best parties are given by Mom and Dad.

Lou Anne McKeefery
SimpliFun Company
2070 Stratford Dr.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408 946-8632