© ChildForum

 When planning a children's party the first things to consider are:

• The birthday child's age and developmental abilities so that the party games, food (etc) are appropriate.
• The child's personal likes and interests (e.g. you would not organise an inside noisy dance party with lots of friends for a 4-year-old girl who is quiet and reserved and does not like dancing).
• Any family beliefs and values surrounding whether and how the child's birthday can be celebrated.  Some religious groups (e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses) and individual families choose not to recognise birthdays.
• Allergies and dietary factors for the birthday child and those who are to be attending the party (click here for info on food allergy management)
• Food preferences, for example the saveloy is a popular party food in NZ and Australia but may disgust and leave children and parents who are vegetarian hungry.

Below are top tips for planning a fun and happy party for all,  party activity ideas, games, party themes, and top party food ideas.

Login with your member's username and password to keep reading

Here’s how our membership plans work

• Individual Membership plans can view both Individual member-only articles and our library of Research Journals.
• Early Childhood Service plans can view ALL member articles: Individual, Research Journals and Early Childhood Service articles - along with support and a range of other benefits as outlined on the Join Us page 
• Research Journal subscription plans can view our library of Research Journals and the articles in all past and current jounral issues.

Should you not hold a current membership –  you are welcome to apply now.