Planning the Perfect Halloween Party With Kids

Planning the Perfect Halloween Party With Kids
I'm not ashamed to admit that Halloween is my favorite holiday and it's been even more fun since having kids. Halloween is a great excuse to have a party. What kid wouldn't want one more opportunity to wear their costume?

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For tips on throwing a great Halloween party for kids I turned to kids party-planning expert Renee Footer from Georgetown Parties in Washington, D.C.

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Allow kids to get involved in choosing the theme -- even if it doesn't quite match your ideas

Renee offers some key advice to throwing a successful party but reminds all parents that kids will be happy with any kind of celebration party, as long as they are made to feel special.

? Even a simple party requires a lot of planning; the sooner you start organizing, the earlier the excitement begins and the fewer details you'll have to work out on the day itself.

? Start planning six weeks before the big day, and schedule your party to-do's week by week.

? Timing is everything, and the right time of day for a party depends on your child's age as does the length of the party and number of guests. For younger children, plan a shorter party and plan it around their nap times.

? Setting and keeping a steady pace at a party is as important as hiring an entertainer, organizing games, the cake, the decorations, etc.

Renee also offers ways to involve your children in planning. Involving your children is a win-win situation since children have a way of approaching new things with a sense of fun and adventure that can be refreshing for adults and rewarding for children to know they played an important role in planning their party.

? Make sure they are involved in choosing the theme. For Halloween this can mean choosing decorations that will be spooky or festive.

? Make planning party activities a game. One of the most beloved aspects for any child on party day is the party activities. Your own child can be an excellent gage what may hold the attention of someone their age and what activities may not- let them pick what they want to do.

? Favor bags, if you wish to offer them, is another great way to include your children in planning. Ask your child what they want to give as they will know what children their own age tend to love.

Halloween parties offer great opportunities for crafts and activities. Some of Renee's ideas are to:

? Create natural bird feeders by using birdseed attached to pinecones with peanut butter and attached with string.

? Make apple stamps by cutting apples in half and letting children dip the apples in Halloween-colored paint and stamping paper.

? Create a low balance beam out of a piece of lumber or a log and place spider webs made out of cotton (or another material) with toy spiders and encourage children not to fall on the spiders.

? Create a ball toss by asking children to throw a ball into a Jack O' Lantern's mouth.
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