Self-organized birthday party

[Anonymous]

I want to do a self-organized birthday party for DS, who is turning 5. Either a soccer theme (based on the way they run his soccer practices -- skill development games and then a scrimmage, no score keeping) or old fashioned field day games. I was a camp counselor for many years and am sure I could do a fun party and keep the kids entertained and engaged, but I am self-conscious about doing it in front of the other parents. I could pay for a company to come and run the games, but I don't really want to pay extra when I could do it myself. Our group has not yet started doing drop-off parties and all parties have had an activity led by the location (Little Gym, nature centers, etc.). Anyone feel the same self-consciousness at running the party, or not, and how did it go? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

do it!! many of the parents at our preschool do this and I think its super fun... some of them add on a guest or babysitter so that they get some fun/free time, but its a great idea. have fun!

[Anonymous]

We did it ourselves for DD's 3rd and it was a lot of fun! Nothing wrong with variety and a personal touch!

[Anonymous]

Maybe ask one or two other moms ahead of time to help out. We went to a party like this and a lot of people helped out. It was a lot of fun for everyone. You can divide the kids up into two or three groups and rotate them through the activities.

[Anonymous]

Go for it. All of my dd's parties are always self-organized. One year it was a big crowd so I hired a teenager to help a bit with the kid wrangling. Every other year, my husband and I have been the organizers and handled all activities.

[Anonymous]

I would love DD to go to a party like that! The few she has have been really cute.

[Anonymous]

We always "lead" activities at our kids' birthday parties. Dh and I both get into it and we don't care what the other parents think---we care what our kids think! Do it, field games sound so fun!

[Anonymous]

My kids are older now (10 and 13) but every single one of their birthday parties have been a theme-based home party that I organized. Make a plan (with backup activities just in case as well as a rain plan if it's an outside party) and recruit at least one other adult you can trust to help you (usually DH and I could cover it, for a few weekday preschool parties, I had another mom stay and help). Even when given the option of a party place, my kids have chosen at-home parties with a theme they chose and loved. Way more personal than a party place (not that they don't have fun playing laser tag or whatever) From reading here, it seems many parents are afraid to take on this challenge--if you feel confident, no one will make judgements, except maybe to be impressed. And if it is at your house and the kids and parents are familiar and comfortable with you and your home, they may be fine with dropping off, so do give them that option, if you'd like. Good luck

[Anonymous]

My kids are too young for these kinds of parties but I have very fond memories of my mom throwing great parties for me when I was a kid. She was always very involved in the activities and made sure we had a great time. Go for it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I want to do a self-organized birthday party for DS, who is turning 5. Either a soccer theme (based on the way they run his soccer practices -- skill development games and then a scrimmage, no score keeping) or old fashioned field day games. I was a camp counselor for many years and am sure I could do a fun party and keep the kids entertained and engaged, but I am self-conscious about doing it in front of the other parents. I could pay for a company to come and run the games, but I don't really want to pay extra when I could do it myself. Our group has not yet started doing drop-off parties and all parties have had an activity led by the location (Little Gym, nature centers, etc.). Anyone feel the same self-consciousness at running the party, or not, and how did it go? Thanks!

I know exactly what you mean, OP. I have planned some really cute activities for our playgroup but when the time comes to implement/lead them, I feel so silly. But truly, I know if I really did it, the other moms would think it was great. It's my own hangup and I should get over it. As should you. Good luck!

[dcmamaconcierge]

We'd love to help. I use Coach Mo for sport themed parties. He is amazing and reasonably priced (Under 100.00)

[e-mail]
202-538-2449

[Anonymous]

self-conscious?

In the words of Nike, "Just do it!"

[Anonymous]

My kid isn't old enough yet, but my sister often does self-organized parties for her kids. Last year my niece's birthday was carnival themed, and my sister put together all the games herself. She had one of the kids' regular baby sitters help out, but it sounded like a blast (I don't live near her, so I didn't attend). It was a lot of work, though, but my sister can also be a little OOT for parties. You should have seen my baby shower!

[Anonymous]

I did my DD's party like this (she turned 3) this year and while I was a little self-conscious, it worked out great, and the kids had a blast! Agree with the PP who said the other parents will jump in and help out. I love these kinds of parties. So much personality, though, and playfulness put into them and they can be tailored to the birthday child's tastes. Do it, OP! You will make great memories.

[Anonymous]

All of my kid's parties have been organized by me. My favorite was when ds turned 11 last year. I did an "old school" party games. We did things like which pair could wrap each other in toilet paper without ripping it and who could transfer one cup of skittles to another cup using only a straw. They loved it.

When he was 5, we invited 5 friends over for a cooking party. I bought canvas aprons for them to decorate. They each made their own pizza and smoothies. For dessert, I baked each kid a small cake and let them decorate it.