From years of teaching children and from many, many parties we would like to offer the following advice – both general and specific.  Please feel free to mail me any tips of your own for other parents! 

Big is most definitely not better.  The vast majority of parties that work best are with a child's close friends, who share their interests and who have a lot in common.  Unless you have a fantastic reason to invite more than 25 children - don't, especially for a very active party! 

Whilst it is great if a child has friends from school, hobbies, family etc again the best parties are made up of an established group where everyone already knows each other.  It is difficult for individual children to mix with an excited majority and it puts pressure on the birthday child to please everyone. 

Don't mix age groups.  Naturally sometimes there will be siblings at the party, but for it to work best for the birthday child, guests should be around their own age. 

This is just for our parties – other entertainers may feel differently - but please wait until after all the jumping about has finished before they have their tea or lunch.  Sweets and fizzy drinks (E numbers and sugar overload!) are best avoided in advance of a party.  It really is better with active parties for children to eat after the main entertainment! 

Make sure you book the type of party your child is going to be “into”.  Take into account how active they are, their age, their interests, their confidence and what there friends are like.  We know this may sound obvious but it's the most important bit!  A good entertainer will never encourage you to book a party that doesn't sound like it would suit your child – we all want children to have the best possible birthday party. 

Be realistic with space.  Plenty of great parties happen at home but consider an alternative venue if you need to. 

Put balloons up outside your venue to make the party obvious to guests and entertainer. 

Please don't give children whistles, or balloons before the party or anything that is going to be noisy or a distraction. 

Even shy children can usually be coaxed into joining in with the fun.  Mums or Dads staying around them often adds to their anxiety.  They are usually fine when left to their own devices. 

Do make sure that children understand in advance the sort of party they are going to and for our parties make sure they are wearing clothes and shoes they will feel comfortable in.  Also bear in mind that they will get warm with all the activity. 

Make sure you always get written confirmation from an entertainer and if you book months in advance do stay in touch if you need to make any changes. 

Make sure younger children know where the toilet is and if necessary, where someone suitable to take them is! 

2 hours for a party is long enough.  2.5 hours at the outside.  Some free time and food in addition to entertainment works best. 

Make sure parents are clear on when a party starts – children can find it more difficult to join in with a party that it already underway if they arrive late. 

ENJOY YOUR CHILD'S DAY – AND THEN THEY WILL!

Party Types

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