Help with running a party, selecting a entertainer etc.
# of kids to invite: Suggested but not mandatory, It is recommended that if possible you double the age for the max # of guests as the ability of the child to socialize with more at one time is difficult emotionally. As a parent and seasoned pro, I know you must often invite the entire class, make sure the entertainer has the ability to keep a large group feeling inclusive so your child has less pressure.
*For age 3-4, 6-10 kids. *Age 5-6, 10 to 18 kids. *7 and up 14-21 guests. *1 and 2 year olds, This age will not recognize it as a birthday party, it's play time. Treat it like any other family gathering.
Attention span vs age: 3-4 years = usually 30 mins, 5- 6 years = 45 mins to 1 hour if the entertainer knows how to vary the pace and mix up the variety. Ages 7 and up, an hour should be no problem for a good entertainer.
If younger 2 and 3 yr toddlers are mixed with older kids they very likely will watch my bigger shows. If all kids are 3+, attention span = ~20-30 minutes, varies with the very young. If the party is for babies to 3 year olds, understand that the goal is to CELEBRATE their birthday with their family, but the entertainment is for the siblings, cousins etc. The under 2's will like the pretty colors, the animals etc.
FOOD: For the most part, young kids aren't going to the party for the food. As adults, we think about what to serve at a Holiday or Super Bowl party etc. Honestly, the kids are happy with the basics. Keep it SIMPLE Cheese and pepperoni pizza, English Muffin Pizzas, hot dogs, Pigs in a blanket, chicken fingers, whatever is your kids favorite, go with that. FINGER FOODS are always best. Think easy clean up. Often the kids won't even eat or finish, so small portion finger foods or pizza slices.
Cake and ice cream: Keep it simple, your basic flavors, chocolate, white, strawberry. Easy on the frosting thickness. Again, most of it won't be eaten unless the kids are older (and have an allergen/lactose free option, ask parents to RSVP any dietary issues if the kids are young). For the adults: You can add some more variety, but I say let em eat cake (and Pizza)
GENDER: As the kids get older, the friends they invite often become more gender specific than the younger kids. A good entertainer can BOTH target the genders preferences, but also entertain all the siblings and parents. And yes, as parents, if the entertainer is skilled, you should be laughing and be amazed as much as the kids!
How to decide on a show: If the entertainer is experienced, and has good recommendations for the age of your group, go with your budget: Its like going on a awesome trip to "Story Land" in New Hampshire. If they haven't been to Disney, they won't know the difference and they'll have had tons of fun. If the kids haven't seen my big show where I float someone and make the giant balloon sculpture, they will still think my basic show is the best ever as it is amazing and funny! Go with your budget. If you can afford my Premium or Deluxe shows, BUY ONE, its guaranteed* and your guests will be glad you did!
I'll be re-posting my article here on running a party that I wrote for the Boston Parents Paper, stay tuned!
# of kids to invite: Suggested but not mandatory, It is recommended that if possible you double the age for the max # of guests as the ability of the child to socialize with more at one time is difficult emotionally. As a parent and seasoned pro, I know you must often invite the entire class, make sure the entertainer has the ability to keep a large group feeling inclusive so your child has less pressure.
*For age 3-4, 6-10 kids. *Age 5-6, 10 to 18 kids. *7 and up 14-21 guests. *1 and 2 year olds, This age will not recognize it as a birthday party, it's play time. Treat it like any other family gathering.
Attention span vs age: 3-4 years = usually 30 mins, 5- 6 years = 45 mins to 1 hour if the entertainer knows how to vary the pace and mix up the variety. Ages 7 and up, an hour should be no problem for a good entertainer.
If younger 2 and 3 yr toddlers are mixed with older kids they very likely will watch my bigger shows. If all kids are 3+, attention span = ~20-30 minutes, varies with the very young. If the party is for babies to 3 year olds, understand that the goal is to CELEBRATE their birthday with their family, but the entertainment is for the siblings, cousins etc. The under 2's will like the pretty colors, the animals etc.
FOOD: For the most part, young kids aren't going to the party for the food. As adults, we think about what to serve at a Holiday or Super Bowl party etc. Honestly, the kids are happy with the basics. Keep it SIMPLE Cheese and pepperoni pizza, English Muffin Pizzas, hot dogs, Pigs in a blanket, chicken fingers, whatever is your kids favorite, go with that. FINGER FOODS are always best. Think easy clean up. Often the kids won't even eat or finish, so small portion finger foods or pizza slices.
Cake and ice cream: Keep it simple, your basic flavors, chocolate, white, strawberry. Easy on the frosting thickness. Again, most of it won't be eaten unless the kids are older (and have an allergen/lactose free option, ask parents to RSVP any dietary issues if the kids are young). For the adults: You can add some more variety, but I say let em eat cake (and Pizza)
GENDER: As the kids get older, the friends they invite often become more gender specific than the younger kids. A good entertainer can BOTH target the genders preferences, but also entertain all the siblings and parents. And yes, as parents, if the entertainer is skilled, you should be laughing and be amazed as much as the kids!
How to decide on a show: If the entertainer is experienced, and has good recommendations for the age of your group, go with your budget: Its like going on a awesome trip to "Story Land" in New Hampshire. If they haven't been to Disney, they won't know the difference and they'll have had tons of fun. If the kids haven't seen my big show where I float someone and make the giant balloon sculpture, they will still think my basic show is the best ever as it is amazing and funny! Go with your budget. If you can afford my Premium or Deluxe shows, BUY ONE, its guaranteed* and your guests will be glad you did!
I'll be re-posting my article here on running a party that I wrote for the Boston Parents Paper, stay tuned!
Links related to Magic, Resources and Helping Others: More to follow
*By Bach (Partita in B flat BWV 825) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
**By Mimooh (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
***By Maguchan1 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Happy Pudgy Snowman by Cory Thoman
**By Mimooh (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
***By Maguchan1 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Happy Pudgy Snowman by Cory Thoman
