Additional Needs
Age Appropriate
by Jodi Shenal
on 26th April, 2024
Top Tips for Taking the Stress out of Birthday Parties
Believe me, I KNOW how stressful parties can be!
Here are some things I’ve learned along the way…
Find an activity or venue and have the party there - food & all!
It is SO much easier to have all the excitement (and mess) at a venue and not in your living room and kitchen!!!
All you usually have to bring is cake and candles!
We just had a joint party at our favourite soft-play area for the younger girls and it was amazing- the kids all loved playing, I loved not having to cook at all or clean up afterwards!
For my teen, we went to a laser-tag place and ordered pizza there afterwards.
Keep Things Simple
It can be so fun to get all detailed and fancy on decorations, cake, party favours etc.
But it will all be quickly forgotten lol!
So DON’T STRESS OUT!
Kid’s always love a good party bag, balloons, yummy cake and snacks, fun games!
Make sure you cover the main things but in my experience, no need to be over the top or perfectionist about it - fun and simple is key!
Especially for my youngest with special needs and her friends, they care much more about the sensory experiences of the party, and their ability to PLAY at the party.
Don’t try to do the party SOLO…
I’ve done this before and totally wiped me out and sent my stress levels through the roof!
Always take up your partner, friend, older child who offers to help out in any way - the more hands helping out, the lighter the load!
It’s about being a good delegator and keeping things running smoothly.
Know your Child’s Wants & Priorities
It’s SO important to know what your child wants and enjoys most - in order to plan and prioritise for the party!
Depending on their age and development, let them be involved in the planning!
It’s so exciting for them...
My 9 yr old designed her ice-cream cake, planned some games and helped choose party favours.
For my 7 yr old with complex needs, we knew the most important things to her would be to have her buddies from school, be at a familiar soft-play area she ADORES and help blow out the candles and all that - perfect party for her!
