How keep parents busy while attending child's birthday party? My child will have birthday party and friends' parents will stay. They'll probably bring along siblings too. I'll be busy taking pics and making sure everything goes smoothly.
I was going to provide drinks and light snacks as suggested. Well, I don't need to worry about feeding parents since the party is canceled. Folks didn't RSVP and I'm not going to deal with last minute party guests showing up @ $20 per person @ this venue. Thanks for all the good ideas!
They will entertain themselves by talking to each other, snacking and watching their kids. Don't worry about them having to have something to do -just like any party, they'll primarily stand or sit around and talk.
Honestly I do not worry about other parents. They are there for their children and they can fend for themselves. I have food and soda (and sometimes beer) and try to talk with all of them. But that's about it!
You didn't say where the party is - but assuming it is at your home...
- make a TV available, especially if there will be dads!
- make sure there is plenty of food/drink for adults to snack on - and arrange furniture to promote conversation amongst the adults.
- Beyond this, I wouldn't worry too much about entertaining them, other than providing the typical "hostess" things, food, drink, a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. I always make sure to make clear to everyone who comes to my home that they are to make themselves comfortable - get a drink without asking if you wish, etc. (obviously only if this is OK with you!)
You will be too busy, and they are adults and can entertain themselves!
Good luck and have fun!!
I usually offer a beer or a glass of wine... then I let them fend for themselves. :)
There is nothing you should have to do. Usually they will ask if you need any help, keep an eye on their kids and talk to the other parents.
You don't have to entertain them.
It is a kids' party.
That is understood.
The parents, depending on the age of the kids, will be near their kids.
And oh gosh, so siblings can come too?
Well the focus is the Birthday child, and THEIR friends.
At parties we have, and at other people's kids' Birthday parties, it is understood that only the invited child comes. Unless the Host, says the ENTIRE family can come. Or if a Mom says if she can bring her other kids too, because no one else can watch them.
Just have snacks and drinks and adults can fend for themselves. I just hang around with the other adults and chat in addition to keeping an eye on all the little ones. Otherwise, I give assistance or play and chatter with the kids. Siblings can generally find their own little niche or something to do according to age.
There are always parents at the kids parties that I go to, including my own son's. The parents are always happy to just stand around and talk and to help supervise the kids. If the party is at home or at a park, it's nice (but not necessary) to have light snacks available. When I've been to parties at indoor playgrounds, bounce houses, gyms, etc, there isn't even food (just cake) a lot of the time and that is totally fine too. Don't worry about the parents.
Siblings can entertain themselves with whatever the other kids are doing.
Don't worry about it. Everyone will have fun!
K.
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Nothing special- if they are staying it's b/c their children are young and need supervision, so that's what they should be doing!
When my son (3) attends birthday parties, the moms typically stand in close proximity to the little party-people to make sure the kids have what they need and chit-chat. If the dads come too- same deal. Most of the parties we have attended and hosted have had basic food (pizza, soda, etc) with an added salad for the adults.
Don't stress too much about it- sometimes having an hour to chat with other moms while my son is having fun is more than enough "entertaining"!
No need to worry at all! Think about what you would do if you were at a party with your child. I am sure you would be talking to the other parents, munching on snacks and drinking a beverage. I always offer wine or beer :). It will be great... focus your energy on your child. Have fun!
Agreed - just feed & water 'em and they'll be fine LOL
I also wouldn't hesitate to ask for help with taking photos if possible. Esp. during the cake/candle blowing. You don't want to watch that through a lens ;-) Enjoy your party, I'm sure it'll be great!
Quit stressing. As long as the adults have snacks, drinks and chairs, you'll be good. They'll keep each other entertained.
Enjoy yourself.
We are having activities that I figure parents should help their kids with (planting veggies, painting butterflies, making caterpillars and a butterfly hunt). They'll be busy, lol.
We usually help watch the kids and talk to other parents or help the host put out food, etc. You don't need to entertain the parents but you should have some snacks/drinks for them.
I'd just have some healthy snacks and beverages for them to help themselves. As for the "siblings", juice pouches and some area for them to play if they aren't going to be included in the party...maybe that means a tv, popcorn and a movie, etc.
Our friends always complimented us on the nice parties we put on because we think of everyone - the party guests and all extras.
Go to the dollar store and maybe get some punching balloons, cheap coloring books and some simple "craft" the kids can work on. The parents can chat and supervise while you tend to the real party.
Hello, Personally, I don't think it is your job to entertain the grown-ups. However, I would include the siblings in the party activities.
Good luck with your child's party.
K. K.
