Gulf Coast Family's primary purpose is to encourage families along the Gulf Coast by providing worthwhile information that deals with family life right here in the Tampa Bay area.
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Party with a Purpose
The first step is to settle on a theme for the party. Sure you can have cake, candles, balloons and gifts; but, the key here is knowing what your child is interested in. Giving children a party themed around their interests will help them not only to enjoy the day but it will also help to provide them with many special memories. When establishing a theme, start out by enlisting your child's opinion. Ask your child what he or she would like to do. Remember that the theme is like the fuel in your car. It is what will ignite your party planning, and it will help excite your child on his birthday. Once you and your child have a good list of ideas, help direct him or her to an acceptable theme with activities that you as a parent can live with. A theme on its own does not guarantee a cool birthday party, so once you have established the theme it is time to start planning the party. Again, enlist the help of your child. This will help your child feel like a part of the overall celebration and it will also ensure that the party includes activities that your child and his or her friends will enjoy. Try not to put more than three big elements into the party. Once you have the main elements established, put them in an order that will help the party stay fluid and continuous. Another key element in your party planning should be to get others involved. Enlist the help of your family and friends and make sure they understand their roles at the party. If possible, try to line up a friend to take pictures. This will help you to focus more on your child and enjoy the moment. Basically, the more help you have, the more enjoyable the party will be for everyone. Finally, it's time to party. You've developed your plan, you have nurtured it, and now the day has finally arrived. It is time to let your child and his or her friends get together and enjoy themselves. Remember that even if things do not go as planned, the party will still be "fun" for your child. Let the kids take the lead and have fun, and the rest of the day will largely take care of itself. Expect that your only reward will be the memories you create. If you happen to get a hug and a kiss from a very happy child at the end of the day, then it will be a bonus to remember! Have fun partying!!
Gulf Coast Family Publications - Encouraging families along the Gulf Coast in Pinellas County |
Available in all CVS and Chick-fil-A locations, along with shopping centers, restaurants, day care centers, schools, libraries, and almost anywhere parents are likely to congregate.     |
Make themed name tags for your child and the guests. Children 4 and up love it when they can decorate their own name tags. Children also love it when they can color on the balloons; just be careful not to have permanent markers around. Children and permanent markers do not mix well.
If you are planning a girl's birthday party, consider ideas that involve dressing up. Princess parties, tea parties, or character themed parties are all big hits with little girls. For a fun craft, take digital photos of the girls in their finery, print them out, and then have the girls decorate and put the photos in foam frames. Girls love it!!
A simple way to thank your guests for coming is to make Birthday goodie bags for them. Goodie bags are easy, inexpensive and thoughtful. You can pick up the bags at most any craft store. Fill the bags with candy, a simple toy or two and a hand written thank you card. Close it off with a ribbon and you are all set.
