Back in the day, I used to perform at a lot of kids parties. Every now and then, I still do the occasional “kids party,” as long as they follow these three very important guidelines. Trust me. I can’t even begin to tell you how this will change a party! These three things can literally turn a house full of bouncing ping-pong balls in childlike form into a fairly controlled environment.  Then everyone…and I mean everyone, is having fun.

1. Keep the parents!

It seems to be “party protocol” to have the parents drop the kids off and flee the scene like they just robbed a bank. This is a great way to create some new gray hairs for display on your head. Kids in a party environment automatically have a 50% ramp in energy. Without a familiar authority figure in a fun environment, kids will often test the waters of “What can I get away with?” The easiest fix I know to date…invite the parents! You may think that parents won’t stay for a kids’ birthday party. I promise, they will if you do what I’m about to show you. First and foremost, have entertainment! Then say to the parents, “We’re having a family get-together for Jake’s birthday party. We’ve got a great family entertainer coming along with a lot of kids and parents. We would really love for you ALL to be there!” You will add a serious level of control to the room!

Best Kids Party Tips2. Family Entertainment

More “party protocol” is when it comes to entertainment, have the kids sitting on the floor up front and the parents sitting on furniture or standing in the back. Unless the entertainer specifically asks for this, don’t ever do it! One of the best kids show magicians I’ve ever known gave this advice. Have the kids and parents sitting together! FYI, this is make or break for me. It turns a kids show into a family show. And again, it adds more control to the room.

3. Cake and Ice Cream…don’t you even think about it…

Obviously, you have to have cake and ice cream at a party. Now, I don’t care when you have it, as long as it’s after the entertainment. For the safety of your house, it might benefit you to put it in a to-go box. If you feed sugar to kids before the entertainment, you are really going to experience the wrath of the children. You’re welcome to do a test with your own children now. Feed them ice cream and cake, then ask them to sit still for a half hour. If it doesn’t work now, it’s not going to work mid-party.

**Two Quick Bonus Tips!**

Here’s a quick tip on getting the parents to your house for a kids party. Have it early evening! Most kids’ parties happen on a Saturday during the day. That’s a great time for parents to get some errands done. It’s much more likely that they’ll be able to clear up time in the evening versus morning or afternoon.

Second, let’s say that you tried your hardest, followed instructions, and you could only get a few parents tops. There is actually one person that you can invite who’s presence works wonders! No, not Santa Claus (unless you can get him). Believe it or not, it’s the teacher! If most of the kids at the party are in the same class, AND they like the teacher, then definitely give the teacher an invitation. The kids will definitely exercise a little more control since they like the teacher. It’s just naturally engraved in their little minds that they need to behave around her. I can remember going to birthday parties when I was in first and second grade and seeing the teacher there. That was a cool thing as far as we (the students) were concerned. It was kinda like, “How did land that party guest?”

So with that, I hope you’re next kids’ party is the best kids’ party you’ve ever had. May all of your houses remain livable.

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