As a mother of a preschooler and a tween, I’ve organized my fair share of birthday parties over the years. I’ve learned that the secret to a successful kids’ party is keeping it simple and focused on what the children want, not the parents.

Photo by Jorge Ibanez on Unsplash

As Maria Montessori said, \”The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.\” With some patience, flexibility and understanding of children’s needs, we can create joyful memories for our kids without going overboard.

First, directly ask your children what kind of party they want. Consider their interests, hobbies and favorite characters or themes. My son loves construction vehicles, so we had a Bob the Builder-themed party at a local park. My daughter enjoys arts and crafts, so we hosted a tie-dye party in our backyard. Giving them input makes children feel special. As the saying goes, \”The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.\”

Second, set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Kids are easily impressed – they care more about having fun with friends than elaborate decorations or favors. I saved money by making simple snacks and desserts instead of ordering catering. We’ve also held parties at public parks to avoid venue rental fees. If your child wants character appearances or entertainment, ask friends and family if they can lend talents. My niece performed free magic tricks and balloon animals!

Third, consider potential stresses and how to minimize them. For example, are you comfortable supervising many children without additional help? I prefer parties with parents attending, especially for young guests. My main role is keeping my child happy versus managing all attendees. If hiring entertainment, provide easy activities (like coloring) during transitions. Also, directly ask invitees if they have any allergies or restrictions. Planning ahead helps avoid problems.

Finally, communicate with your child during the entire party planning process, not just at the beginning. As Maria Montessori wisely said, “The first duty of the educator, whether he is involved with the care of little children, primary school children, or young people, is to recognize the human personality of his pupils.” Check in periodically about their vision for the party as new ideas come up. Be flexible to incorporate their preferences.

With a little creativity and focus on fun over perfection, parents can host birthday parties that kids love without going over the top. The ultimate goal is celebrating our children and making them feel special in their own way. What matters is creating joyful memories together as a family.