The day after his son’s
second birthday, a father described the party: “We
had everything. Lots of children, balloons, piles of
presents, party games and favors, a big cake and ice
cream. Everyone had fun except Jason. He spent the whole
time crying.”
Probably “everything” was a bit too much
for little Jason. He would probably have been more comfortable
with a party on a smaller scale. Often a toddler’s
parents plan a birthday party like the ones they remember
from their own childhood, without realizing the parties
they recall probably took place when they were seven
or eight years old, not a mere two! When there is too
much fuss, toddlers can feel overwhelmed and
confused.
The best parties for young toddlers are small and simple.
So keep these tips in mind when planning your toddler’s
birthday “bash”:
Stick with a kid-friendly guest-list
and activities
To maximize fun and minimize
distress, invite only a few children (three or four
at most), schedule the party so it doesn’t coincide
with naptime and avoid competitive party games.
No presents please Realize
that two-year-olds have no understanding of the concept
“birthday” and will expect presents of their
own if any are given to the birthday child. To avoid
fuss and hurt feelings, you might ask the mothers of
guests not to bring gifts. Or, have a small—identical—present
for everyone to open at the same time.
Keep toys out of sight
Before guests arrive, put away any toys that you won't
be using for party games. Since toddlers find it difficult
to share, extra toys in view can lead to unnecessary
upsets. Try to confine the party to one room and clear
it of any objects that could be damaged, so you won’t
have to worry.
It might be your first time entertaining a group of
two-year-olds. If you’re looking for a toddler-friendly
party agenda–consider this one:
- Welcome each guest and let the children play informally.
- Don’t expect your two-year-old to be much of a host or hostess.
- After a while, read a story to those who want to listen.
- Serve refreshments. Toddlers rarely eat much cake, so try cupcakes or decorated cookies.
- Sit in a circle on the floor for some group songs and games.
- Roll a large beach ball from one side to another. Play simple finger-games or a naming game such as “Can you blink your eyes? Who can clap hands?”
- Play music and have a parade through the house.
- Keep the party short. It should last no longer than an hour or two.
- Make leaving easier and happier by handing out favors to toddler guests as they go.
An article from the HUGGIES® Brand
