BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR CHILDREN

Marilyn Lopes
Extension Specialist, Family Life Education
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
University of Massachusetts

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Storks work overtime in September. Birth rates peak, with September leading all other months. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 12,100 babies are born every day in September, while only 11,400 children are born daily the rest of the year. So naturally, more birthday parties are held in September than any other month! Birthday parties are an important part of a child's growing years. Plan parties that are fun and "age-appropriate."

Babies through age 3: Wee ones, toddlers, and those just out of diapers don't remember much, and their attention spans are short. Lots of excitement can put these children into overload or even frighten them. Small parties with small groups of friends and family are best. Parties for small children should be short, one to two hours at most.

Children ages 4 to 6: "Home" parties work best for this age group. Day care and school friends are now more important to children, and they have learned to get along through sharing and playing games. Children this age need lots of individual attention, so enlist plenty of help for parties.

Playing simple games can be more fun than hiring a clown or magician. Tape the Tail on the Donkey, Spoons, Hide the Thimble, Hide and Seek, Scavenger Hunt, Limbo, and "Nerf" sports may seem old hat to you, but many youngsters have never played them before. Make sure every child has a chance to triumph. Award prizes for "ingenuity," "cooperation," and other appropriate skills and behavior. Craft projects, such as mask making and puppet making, are good alternatives to competitive games.

Give party favors at the end of the festivities; otherwise children might lose them and end up crying. Simple favors and prizes are good for this age child. Try balloons, wrapped candy, trading cards, small plastic bugs, pencils, or stickers.

At this age, you may experience behavioral problems with the birthday boy or girl. Don't overload the children by inviting too many people. Helping children cope with the excitement of a birthday party is just one more aspect of growing up.

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SAFETY TIPS

It may never happen to you, but who wants a birthday party to end in the emergency room? Keep these safety tips in mind and a good time will be had by all.

1. Keep a first aid kit handy.

2. Make sure fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are available and in working order.

3. Make sure your home is extra child-proof. Check the yard for hazardous materials, such as barbecue lighter fluid or insecticide and for tools and other sharp objects. Limit access to ponds and pools, stairs, garages, basements, and other unsupervised areas. Let kids know where the party will be and keep them there.

4. Keep sharp objects away from party-goers. No toothpicks or knives at the table, and don't play games with projectiles.

5. To prevent accidents, children should sit down when they eat. Avoid games that involve eating food rapidly.

6. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent food poisoning.