The Do’s and Don’ts of Hosting a Party for a Tween
Surviving a Tween Party
Planning birthday parties for this particular age group can be a challenge. You need to juggle a reasonable budget, fun-filled activities, and a gaggle of temperamental tweens. However, having successful birthday parties for a tween doesn't have to be stressful. Here are six keys to success that will leave both you and your tween very happy.
DO find a theme based on your tweens interests. Music and popular culture are sure bets. But every tween has his or her own special hobbies and interests that could be turned into a party theme.
DON'T plan every small detail. One of the major challenges of moving from early childhood to the tween years is understanding the need for tweens to break away from parents and identify more with their friends. The last thing they want is a party choreographed by their parents. So set the ground rules, give them a structure, get things started and step aside. Remember, the event is for the enjoyment of your child, so fade into the background as much as possible.
DO discuss party expectations and set clear ground rules with your tween beforehand. This goes right along with the first "do." In their desire to be independent, they also have a desire to push boundaries. So have a mutual understanding of just what is and what is not acceptable as far as budget, guest list, music, activities and cut off time.
DO get creative with invitations. Record a mix CD with your tween's favorite songs or popular songs related to the theme of the party. Then create paper inserts on your home computer that look like a current popular music CD cover but actually give the party goers all of the information they need to attend such as date, time and place. Or you can use your camcorder to record your child sending a personalized message to each invitee which you can then burn to a DVD. This time create a cover mimicking a popular movie or television show or tie it to the theme of your party.
DO have great music. Get creative with music that works with your party's theme. You will want to have your child's iPod on hand so you can play DJ during the party. As with every other aspect of the party, the easiest way to find out exactly what music will make or break the party is to simply ask your tween.
DO serve food that will appeal to everyone. If you're planning something exotic because it really makes your theme, by all means go ahead, but in small amounts. Tweens aren't known for their experimental nature when it comes to food. Have plenty of party staples on hand so no one will go hungry.
DON'T stress out about the small details of your party. Every parent wants to give their child a special day to remember. So, listen to what they say, throw the kind of party they ask for (within reason!) and trust us, it will be special when their friends say they have the "coolest" parents around.
