Every parent has organized a kids birthday party. So, it's no big deal, right? Wrong! It is a big deal, because however common it may appear, and even though it comes every year, every parent, especially the mother, is concerned about having the best children's birthday party for her child. And some parents are not just concerned ? they are downright worried!


So, lets start with basics. How many kids do you invite? ?However many you can handle? may seem like the right answer, though listening to some expert advice will do no harm. While one recommendation goes that you should invite one party guest for each year of the child's age (6 years = 6 children), this seldom works.


A more tested and practical recommendation is:

Age 3: 6 to 8 guests, and no more than 10. Party is usually free play.

Age 4: 9 to 12 guests, and no more than 15. Some activity needs to be planned.


Ages 5 to 7: 15 or less, and no more than 18 guests. Games become common at this stage.


Ages 8 to 10: Parties are decided more by the kids themselves, with their own ideas and guest list.



Will parents stay at your kids birthday party? At ages three and four, most parents stay at the party with their child; even siblings may attend. At five and older, few parents stay at children's birthday parties, preferring to drop and pick up later. As a birthday mom, do you want some parents to stay to assist in ?crowd control?, or do you consider parents a burden to entertain? You decide, and you can even let other parents know in the invite.



Where do you have your party ? and what will be the activity? You can depend on a lot suggestions from friends, and even online help to find out about party ideas, themes and kids indoor playgrounds. The ?torontoparentsguide.com?, for example, provides practical help for parents in search for children's birthday party places s like kids indoor playgrounds in Toronto and its surrounding area.



And finally, how you say thank you? When opening up presents, write the name of the giver on the box. Your child can later either dictate, or do a paint handprint, or, if older, write out the ?thank you? and his/her name. A thoughtful ?thank you? is always

appreciated.