Kids' birthday parties today are very different today than they were when most mothers had children. In many communities, throwing birthday parties for children has almost become a competitive sport. Part of your child should be about fun, not competition. And birthday parties should never put children in the position to compare the levels of the extravagance of the party. The key to a big birthday party? First, remember it's your child and not someone else. Plan your party around your child's interests, and what you're family is comfortable. Start planning the party at least 4-6 weeks in advance if you have plenty of time to take care of everything, if that's what you want and are able to do. If you decide to hire an artist or to book a party place birthday party, make your request about three months in advance to ensure that the date and time you want is available. Here are some of the most common questions that moms ask questions about planning birthday parties for children, and answers common sense. How many children should I invite? If the party is for a child under 5 years and parents are invited to stay, the number of children will not be a factor. Parents supervise their own children, you will be able to focus more on yours. Some experts argue that children are old enough to be deposited at parties once they are about 5 or 6 years. Right now, most have been in day care, nursery schools, and perhaps, in kindergarten. This means they must have the social skills they need to play well with other children and have a good time. The general rule on how many children to invite: your child's age plus one. What time do I have the game? The best time for the party also depends on the age of customers. For babies and toddlers, do naps. Planning the party for it ends at noon is probably a good idea. For slightly older children, the parties may begin 13 hours or 14 hours and end at 15 hours or 16 hours long how the last part? One hour for children under five, and 1:30 to 2:00 for older children should be perfect. Reported a pick-up time at the invitation, so that parents know exactly when to get their young partygoers. Is there a guideline for choosing party decorations? Just do everything colorful Use your child's favorite color and make one, two, three, or multi-color scheme throughout with balloons, plates, napkins, serving bowls, tablecloth, and bags gifts. Decorations also reflect the theme of your child chooses. Once you and your child have decided on a theme, the easiest choice is to buy a complete set of conservation party. If your child is, say, pirates, dolls, Disney princess, Hannah Montana, or any other sport, there will be an all-in-one to suit his fancy birthday party. Discover this vast assortment of party decorations and theme party packs. What should I serve? The smallest toddlers are easy to please: Having their moms or dads to help them a piece of cake and ice cream probably make them very happy. For young children, small portions of food and work. Think cut fruit, pieces of cheese, carrots, crackers, muffins and miniature. Another idea is to make the popular sandwich wraps and sliced to form reels or cut using cookie. For children over 7 years or more, you can never go wrong with macaroni and cheese, baked ziti, or pizza. Add a little salad or cherry tomatoes or grape and cucumber slices to give the party a color fare little more. If you serve pizza, cut into smaller slices pies than usual and let the kids keep coming back for more. Cut slices can greatly reduce waste. A birthday cake or cupcakes are essential. cupcake decorating has become an activity of dual-use parent-friendly: It keeps the kids busy and takes care to provide a dessert the kids will love. What are the best games for young children? The kids will enjoy listening and singing familiar songs, clapping their hands or following simple hand movements. Stories, songs and games they know from pre-school will be popular at parties, as well. Ask your child or your child's teacher for the favorites. Enough activities planned to start a new one every 10 or 15 minutes if necessary. A treasure hunt can also work and be easily customized to fit almost any theme, for example, research of children for pirates 'gold' or Princess "jewelry." Just be sure that moms and dads, or aid another party are there to help children as they follow clues and find the hidden treasure. Should I hire an artist gone? Hiring a pro party entertainment is an option increasingly popular. Party clowns, magicians and other performers can, of course, to support all activities of the birthday party. Other Party may reduce your hassle and stress levels, because they are prepared to handle virtually any situation. They do this all the time. They are sensitive to signs that a girl is not engaged, or two boys are not understood, or that all children become anxious and it is time to move to a new activity. Another option: bring the party elsewhere. There are many halls which can keep your child and his friends occupied the second time the first guest arrives "until the last child is picked up happy. Is there a special part? Do's and Don'ts "Some" Do "is to let children be creative. Coloring, painting, I stuck labels on objects, which badges, bracelets, hats decoration cheap or work on craft projects to keep other children amused and happy. In fact, let the children create and decorate their own party favors is a great way to keep them occupied during the first 15 minutes or more of the game, when everyone arrived. Another "Do" is to have refreshments for parents, especially if you asked them to stay at the party. And "Do" be gracious, if brothers and sisters unexpected arise. Enough food for a few more people, and one or two extra goodie bags, just in case. Here's a big-time "Do not:" Whatever the activity you have planned for the birthday party of your child, never leave a child feel excluded or unhappy because he or she is not selected for a team or is removed from a game Encourage participation, cooperation and teamwork, not individual competition. Should we open presents at the party? There are two schools of thought on the opening birthday presents. The first is to wait until the party is over. The main reasons: 1) you do not want the party to focus on donations; 2) it can be boring for everyone to sit while the boy or birthday girl rips open boxes, and 3) you have some time, especially if you're having the party in a party place. The second view is to open presents while everyone is there. The main reasons: 1) the birthday guest of honor can not wait to open them, and 2) the child to give the gift wants to see his friend to open it, especially if the child has helped raise the present. Decide what makes you comfortable just to be flexible about this, if circumstances warrant a change of plans. Should I insist that my child write a "thank you" note? Absolutely. Before children learn to write, it is appropriate for the parent to write the note and the child or scribble something about this color. When the child is able to write his name, signature at the bottom of a note from Mom or Dad is OK-written. When children are older, however, they should understand that writing "thank you" notes are a very meaningful way to let people know you appreciate their kindness and generosity. Remember to thank-you notes, not only through teaching children to be good manners, but to help them learn from their social well used throughout their lives.