Want to know how other Mom’s pull off a birthday party for kids without even breaking a sweat? All you need is some enthusiasm, some thoughtful planning and the ability to maintain control over a room of rowdy sugared up mini people. 

These 10 tips will help you get it right from the start.

The first and most essential step when planning a birthday party for kids is as simple as making a list. Include an idea of your budget, some possible themes, dates, venues, what you would like to offer for refreshments etc.

Once you have worked out your overall plan for the party it’s time to think entertainment, if you are hiring a professional you will need to book at least 4 weeks in advance.

Get your party child involved, it helps to build the excitement and anticipation and of course makes them feel oh so special. But, never make the mistake of saying it’s your birthday darling, you can have any kind of party you like, unless you are prepared for Cirque de Soleil entertaining friends in the back yard or pony rides in your fourth floor apartment. Your well thought out list gives them the exciting opportunity to choose what they would like based on the options you have already thought through.

Make a guest list. Decide on the numbers first, then ask you child who they would like to invite.

Check your child’s best friend can attend on the day you are planning your party. Be flexible if you can by trying to celebrate on a day your child’s BFF can attend 

Go out and buy a large plastic tub, your ‘Party Tub’ will be a great place to add your party supplies as you buy them and then store the left over’s for the next party.

Now you’re ready to really get the ball rolling with some great invitations. Hand made or printed pad, it doesn’t matter as long as you get them out at least 2 weeks before the day. Please remember to include an RSVP with the reply date, phone number and name of the person to speak to. 

The power of delegation is a very useful skill if you want to throw a successful birthday party for kids, so exercise it by asking a parent or two to stay at the party to help, designate tasks, such as serving food, or managing the games so that you can focus on everything running smoothly.

Thinking before baking saves time and trouble so once again, make a list, don’t overdo it and try to have things you can prepare the day before.

Last but not least stay calm. Have a planned schedule of events before the guests arrive, but don’t worry if it all goes hay wire, birthday parties are meant to have at least a degree of chaos, so go with it, have fun and just enjoy them while they’re young.