I am not sure when our society turned into such a coddled environment for children. The children of today seem to have to be protected from every possible 'bad' feeling. Soccer teams can no longer keep score for fear of upsetting a losing team, Some schools have banned 'best friends' because it can make other children feel less special, and parents of today are pressured to invite every child in the class or no child at all to their children's birthday parties.
While I can't do much about the first two items I want to provide some relief to the whole party inviting thing. It's ok to not invite every child to a party. It's ok to invite 5 of your child's closest friends at that's it.
I find the all or nothing concept very unfair because many families simply cannot afford to throw a party for 25 children leaving their child party-less which is still exclusion in my books. Why should only the 'rich' kids get to have parties?
As a parent I don't want my child invited to every party because I don't want to buy gifts for children my kid doesn't even play with on a daily basis. It's ok with me if they sometimes are left out.
I am not for the mentality that all children need to be friends with all children. As adults we don't invite the whole work place to our parties. We invite our friends and that's ok.
What is not ok about selective inviting is being mean about it. It's important that we as parents instill this value into our children. Here are some tips on how to teach your child to be a nice non-party-host:
1. Set the limit to the number of children your child can invite. Review the list together and make sure no one was accidentally left out.
2. Don't invite all the kids in the class except for a couple of kids. The child that picks their nose and the one who is allergic to everything shouldn't be the only exceptions. This starts to be mean and more of a 'bully-like' issue.
3. Tell your child you don't want to hear of any birthday taunting. Meaning she is not to rub it in other children's faces that they are not coming.
What do you think about all the hoopla of inviting the whole class or no one at all? Do you invite everyone? Do you send your child to everyone's party?
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
It's Her Party!
A phrase I often hear is "I know it's her birthday but she is too young". Parents often believe that their child cannot enjoy the entertainment because she is turning one or two years old. This is not the case. Your toddler can (and should) enjoy her own party. After all, it's her party.
I think the reason parents have these beliefs is because they are used to typical party entertainment options such as; clowns, face painting, magic shows and other non-interactive experiences. All these options can make a great party but when dealing with toddlers and preschoolers it's important to remember their stage of development.
Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy a party where they are free to move and explore, be introduced to new materials and participate in flexible games and activities. This is why I thoughtfully created programs that your youngest party goer can enjoy.
Our Typical Toddler Party
(based on a home party with under 15 children. Otherwise a customized plan is created to meet your party's individual needs)
Character + Party Leader: We send out a team because we want the children to maximize their time spent with the character. The party leader is able to operate the music, set up the next activity and make transitions run smoothly.
Music and Bubbles: We bring fun music and a bubble machine as an opening activity. This gives children a chance to dance with the character, get their excitement out, and for children who need it; time to warm up to the character.
Parachute and Bean Bag Games: These materials are perfect for toddlers because they are easy to manipulate, fun to explore and do not have any 'rules'. This makes these activities the perfect developmental choice for young children.
Sing-a-long: We selected a few common childhood songs that are fun to sing. This flexible circle time experience is one that even a child as young as 6 months old will enjoy being apart of.
Colouring and Tattoos: This portion of our program was designed to allow for a fun tattoo drawn on each child's hand. This is more appropriate than face paint because the child can actually see the tattoo which is more enjoyable for them. Because the tattoos are drawn quickly the waiting time that occurs for face painting is reduced which better meets their stage of development. However, to avoid any conflicts or restlessness we offer them colouring as a side activity while they wait.
Picture Time: Because parties are about memories we save some time with every party for picture taking time. This allows the children to enjoy uninterrupted activity time for most of the party.
Cake Time: Before we leave the party we can sing happy birthday with you. This makes for a fun experience and more great pictures. It also acts as a distraction for when we leave. Children may be sad to see us go but with cake nearby they tend to have a better transition.
Remember, your child's party can be enjoyed by her, even if she is turning one. Keep her stage of development in mind when selecting entertainment and watch her have fun on her special day.
I think the reason parents have these beliefs is because they are used to typical party entertainment options such as; clowns, face painting, magic shows and other non-interactive experiences. All these options can make a great party but when dealing with toddlers and preschoolers it's important to remember their stage of development.
Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy a party where they are free to move and explore, be introduced to new materials and participate in flexible games and activities. This is why I thoughtfully created programs that your youngest party goer can enjoy.
Our Typical Toddler Party
(based on a home party with under 15 children. Otherwise a customized plan is created to meet your party's individual needs)
Character + Party Leader: We send out a team because we want the children to maximize their time spent with the character. The party leader is able to operate the music, set up the next activity and make transitions run smoothly.
Music and Bubbles: We bring fun music and a bubble machine as an opening activity. This gives children a chance to dance with the character, get their excitement out, and for children who need it; time to warm up to the character.
Parachute and Bean Bag Games: These materials are perfect for toddlers because they are easy to manipulate, fun to explore and do not have any 'rules'. This makes these activities the perfect developmental choice for young children.
Sing-a-long: We selected a few common childhood songs that are fun to sing. This flexible circle time experience is one that even a child as young as 6 months old will enjoy being apart of.
Colouring and Tattoos: This portion of our program was designed to allow for a fun tattoo drawn on each child's hand. This is more appropriate than face paint because the child can actually see the tattoo which is more enjoyable for them. Because the tattoos are drawn quickly the waiting time that occurs for face painting is reduced which better meets their stage of development. However, to avoid any conflicts or restlessness we offer them colouring as a side activity while they wait.
Picture Time: Because parties are about memories we save some time with every party for picture taking time. This allows the children to enjoy uninterrupted activity time for most of the party.
Cake Time: Before we leave the party we can sing happy birthday with you. This makes for a fun experience and more great pictures. It also acts as a distraction for when we leave. Children may be sad to see us go but with cake nearby they tend to have a better transition.
Remember, your child's party can be enjoyed by her, even if she is turning one. Keep her stage of development in mind when selecting entertainment and watch her have fun on her special day.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Disney Countdown Calendar
In December 2011 I finished the two year Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan College. It had been a long road for my family as I often found myself saying "I'm too busy" to my kids and mom guilt had taken up residence inside me.
I knew all I wanted once I was finished was more time with my husband and children, but with dreams of expanding my entrepreneurship in 2012, time was bound to remain a luxury.
So, my husband and I decided it was time to plan the best family vacation ever and that meant Disney World!
We told the children about the trip on Christmas day as part of their gift even though we weren't planning to go until the end of January. I didn't want to hear "is it time to go yet" every day for the next month, so I made them a countdown calendar (also part of their gift).
It has been the highlight of each morning in our house as the kids race over to it each day to read the fun fact inside and move the counter another day closer to our dream vacation. And I haven't been asked even once "is it time to go yet". (Yay)
A similar calendar can be made to countdown to anything. You can make one for Christmas, Birthdays or your own family vacation.
Disney Countdown Calendar
What you'll need
- Large Foam Board (Foam is more durable than bristol board)
- Library card pockets
- Numbers (either: stickers, printed from online, or hand written)
- Fun Facts
- Popsicle Stick
- Tape
- Glue stick
How to Make it
1. Collect/create enough fun facts to fill your calendar (one fact per day). I typed them up on the computer and cut them out and glued them to card stock folded like a card. I used a coloured circle sticker to seal the fact shut (so little eyes wouldn't be tempted to peek).
2. Put your numbers on the library card pockets
3. Lay all the library card pockets on the foam board, from highest number to lowest number, until you have them how you want it. Peel and stick your library card pockets on the foam board.
4. Stick your fun facts in each pocket.
5. Make a counter. I used a mickey face that says "Days 'til Disney" on it. I used packing tape to cover the whole thing to make it durable and appear laminated. Then, I taped black hockey tape around the popsicle stick and taped the mickey face to the top on the popsicle stick.
Extra: I bought Mickey die cuts on eBay to add some colour to the pockets and to help decorate the board. I also printed some text to give the calendar a title; "Days Till Disney". You could use stickers, die cuts or your own artistic skills to help add some colour to your board.
Some example fun facts I used:
"In Florida lizards walk around the same way squirrels run around here"
"At some restaurants characters come out to greet you while you eat"
"The plane ride to Florida will be almost 3 hours long"
And this is what my finished calendar looks like.
I knew all I wanted once I was finished was more time with my husband and children, but with dreams of expanding my entrepreneurship in 2012, time was bound to remain a luxury.
So, my husband and I decided it was time to plan the best family vacation ever and that meant Disney World!
We told the children about the trip on Christmas day as part of their gift even though we weren't planning to go until the end of January. I didn't want to hear "is it time to go yet" every day for the next month, so I made them a countdown calendar (also part of their gift).
It has been the highlight of each morning in our house as the kids race over to it each day to read the fun fact inside and move the counter another day closer to our dream vacation. And I haven't been asked even once "is it time to go yet". (Yay)
A similar calendar can be made to countdown to anything. You can make one for Christmas, Birthdays or your own family vacation.
Disney Countdown Calendar
What you'll need
- Large Foam Board (Foam is more durable than bristol board)
- Library card pockets
- Numbers (either: stickers, printed from online, or hand written)
- Fun Facts
- Popsicle Stick
- Tape
- Glue stick
How to Make it
1. Collect/create enough fun facts to fill your calendar (one fact per day). I typed them up on the computer and cut them out and glued them to card stock folded like a card. I used a coloured circle sticker to seal the fact shut (so little eyes wouldn't be tempted to peek).
2. Put your numbers on the library card pockets
3. Lay all the library card pockets on the foam board, from highest number to lowest number, until you have them how you want it. Peel and stick your library card pockets on the foam board.
4. Stick your fun facts in each pocket.
5. Make a counter. I used a mickey face that says "Days 'til Disney" on it. I used packing tape to cover the whole thing to make it durable and appear laminated. Then, I taped black hockey tape around the popsicle stick and taped the mickey face to the top on the popsicle stick.
Extra: I bought Mickey die cuts on eBay to add some colour to the pockets and to help decorate the board. I also printed some text to give the calendar a title; "Days Till Disney". You could use stickers, die cuts or your own artistic skills to help add some colour to your board.
Some example fun facts I used:
"In Florida lizards walk around the same way squirrels run around here"
"At some restaurants characters come out to greet you while you eat"
"The plane ride to Florida will be almost 3 hours long"
And this is what my finished calendar looks like.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmas Fun For Your Kids (From My Kids)
My boys have been enjoying the Christmas season from: shopping, to baking, to reading stories, and crafting (and a whole bunch more in between).
This evening Dorian, my 5 year old, said that he was going to show me how to make a snowflake. I was so impressed with his presentation that I offered to make a video of it (for all of you of course). This is Dorian's "How To Make a Snowflake" step-by-step video:
Once his 8 year old brother DeAndre saw it, he too wanted to make a video. Since DeAndre enjoys telling jokes, he wanted to dazzle you with a few festive one-liners. Enjoy!
From our house to yours we'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
This evening Dorian, my 5 year old, said that he was going to show me how to make a snowflake. I was so impressed with his presentation that I offered to make a video of it (for all of you of course). This is Dorian's "How To Make a Snowflake" step-by-step video:
Once his 8 year old brother DeAndre saw it, he too wanted to make a video. Since DeAndre enjoys telling jokes, he wanted to dazzle you with a few festive one-liners. Enjoy!
From our house to yours we'd like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Come Out & See Us For a Good Cause
I recently brought your attention to Zack's story and what we were here at Party At Your Place are doing to help his family. Now, Lisa has began working to put together an event to raise money for Zack's dream Elmo room and I just had to be a part of it.
Click here to see the event details page on Facebook.
Place: Taima Zone (Mississauga)
Date: April 29, 2011
Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Special Guest from Party at Your Place: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Also Featuring;
-Silent auction
-Zumba
-Food and drinks
-Much more fun
We hope that you will join us for a good family night out in support of Zack's dream. Remember we are still donating $10 from all monster parties to Zack's dream.
Click here to see the event details page on Facebook.
Place: Taima Zone (Mississauga)
Date: April 29, 2011
Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Special Guest from Party at Your Place: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Also Featuring;
-Silent auction
-Zumba
-Food and drinks
-Much more fun
We hope that you will join us for a good family night out in support of Zack's dream. Remember we are still donating $10 from all monster parties to Zack's dream.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Zack's Dream Room
"La La La La. La La La La, Elmo's Song"
This is one of my favorite songs to sing at parties because everyone knows all the words, and if they don't, they quickly learn them. It doesn't matter what culture a person comes from, what language they speak or how old they are; everyone knows the words.
Three and a half year old Zack Hamilton was no different. while he may have never said the words, he surely hummed along to the catchy happy tune of Elmo's Song, for Elmo was one of his most favourite things.
Zack was a special little boy who's story needs to be read to understand why his humming of Elmo's Song is so meaningful. So please go read it now and then come back, I'll wait. ( Zack's Story )
Party at Your Place wants to help Zack's parents create Zack's Dream Room at York Central Hospital because:
1. Zack's story has really touched my heart
2. I believe this project will help his parents heal
3. Like Zack, I also love Elmo
4. I know the best Monster you ever did meet
5. Kids for years to come will have a hospital room that will be much less scary to be in. (Who can be scared in an Elmo room?)
Help us help Zack and his family by booking a Monster party with us today. We will donate $10 from every Monster party to Zack's Dream Room until his goal has been met.
This is one of my favorite songs to sing at parties because everyone knows all the words, and if they don't, they quickly learn them. It doesn't matter what culture a person comes from, what language they speak or how old they are; everyone knows the words.
Three and a half year old Zack Hamilton was no different. while he may have never said the words, he surely hummed along to the catchy happy tune of Elmo's Song, for Elmo was one of his most favourite things.
Zack was a special little boy who's story needs to be read to understand why his humming of Elmo's Song is so meaningful. So please go read it now and then come back, I'll wait. ( Zack's Story )
Party at Your Place wants to help Zack's parents create Zack's Dream Room at York Central Hospital because:
1. Zack's story has really touched my heart
2. I believe this project will help his parents heal
3. Like Zack, I also love Elmo
4. I know the best Monster you ever did meet
5. Kids for years to come will have a hospital room that will be much less scary to be in. (Who can be scared in an Elmo room?)
Help us help Zack and his family by booking a Monster party with us today. We will donate $10 from every Monster party to Zack's Dream Room until his goal has been met.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Gift Buying Guide For Children Ages 1-5 Years Old
Sometimes one of the most stressful things about being invited to a birthday party is shopping for a gift. This is especially true if the guest does not have children or has children of the opposite sex.
If you want to buy developmentally appropriate gifts that will be loved by the recipient, this guide is for you.
First Birthday:
The first birthday is not only about turning one, but also about the entire year until he or she turns two. There is a lot of development that takes place during this busy year.
Look for toys that have an age of 12 months and up or 18 months and up. Avoid toys that say 6 months-12 months, as the child is already passing this stage of development.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Interactive bath toys (basketball, musical, drawing utensils)
-Hard cover books with easy to turn pages. If they include sensory opportunities, it's even better.
-Large soft building blocks
-Musical Instrument toys
AVOID:
-Toys designed to assist with walking
-Infant toys such as rattles
-Anything with pieces smaller than a Tennis ball
Basketball Bath Toy
Second Birthday:
Toddlers are active learners with a developmental need for play (like all children) that really emerges at this age. Educational, open-ended toys are key in helping a child reach their full potential.
Again, look for toys that are suitable for children from age 2-3 years. Avoid toys that end at the 2 year old level.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Wooden blocks
-Large Mega blocks
-Stacking toys or Fit shape into hole type toys
-Large wooden puzzles
-Large trucks and cars
-Books such as "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" (few words, predictable story, hard cover)
AVOID:
- Play tables designed more for 9-18 month old
- non-open-ended toys such as talking characters that do one specific thing limiting play experiences
Wooden Puzzle
Third Birthday:
Preschoolers are continuing to explore their environment and learn about about the world around them. Many children at this age really enjoy and participate in dramatic play.
Toys now generally have a broader age range such as; ages 3-5 years and 3 years and up. Continue to avoid toys ending with age 3, such as 2-3 years.
DO LOOK FOR:
-play dough
-Craft supplies; blunt nosed scissors, glue, paint, construction paper, crayons, markers
-Easel
-Dress up clothes
-Play kitchen, dishes and food
-Puppet theatre and puppets
-Blocks
AVOID:
-Colouring books
-Toddler puzzles
-Toy computers
Puppet Theatre
Fourth Birthday:
Many four year olds are in Junior Kindergarten and are more complex in their play. They need many open ended toys that allow them to extend and combine materials: example: wooden blocks are used to build roads to drive their cars on.
Toys tend to not state ages 4 years and up, but rather state 3 years and up or 5 years and up. Use your judgement on weather a toy labelled 5 years and up would be suitable for the recipient. Most children at age 4 are no longer putting toys in their mouths, so chocking concerns are subdued.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Lego
-Building toys such as marble works
-24-48 piece puzzles
-Cars
-Dolls and doll play accessories
-Dress up clothes
-Board games
-Action figures
AVOID:
-Large Mega blocks
-Colouring books
-Toy computers
-Wooden puzzles
-Barbie
Marble Works
Fifth Birthday:
Five year olds, like four year olds, are complex in their play. Readiness to read are more evident at this age and become of greater interest to children.
Toys that suggest ages 5 and up are good for this age, however many children are ready for toys labelled ages 6 and up as well.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Phonic and sight word story books
-Games and activities that encourage letter recognition
-Lego
-Building toys such as Kinex or Lincoln logs
-Board Games
-48-100 piece puzzles
AVOID:
-Colouring books
-Barbie
-Craft kits that are not open ended (Only one way to do it)
Child draws and writes their own story which is then published into a real book
If you want to buy developmentally appropriate gifts that will be loved by the recipient, this guide is for you.
First Birthday:
The first birthday is not only about turning one, but also about the entire year until he or she turns two. There is a lot of development that takes place during this busy year.
Look for toys that have an age of 12 months and up or 18 months and up. Avoid toys that say 6 months-12 months, as the child is already passing this stage of development.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Interactive bath toys (basketball, musical, drawing utensils)
-Hard cover books with easy to turn pages. If they include sensory opportunities, it's even better.
-Large soft building blocks
-Musical Instrument toys
AVOID:
-Toys designed to assist with walking
-Infant toys such as rattles
-Anything with pieces smaller than a Tennis ball
Basketball Bath Toy
Second Birthday:
Toddlers are active learners with a developmental need for play (like all children) that really emerges at this age. Educational, open-ended toys are key in helping a child reach their full potential.
Again, look for toys that are suitable for children from age 2-3 years. Avoid toys that end at the 2 year old level.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Wooden blocks
-Large Mega blocks
-Stacking toys or Fit shape into hole type toys
-Large wooden puzzles
-Large trucks and cars
-Books such as "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" (few words, predictable story, hard cover)
AVOID:
- Play tables designed more for 9-18 month old
- non-open-ended toys such as talking characters that do one specific thing limiting play experiences
Wooden Puzzle
Third Birthday:
Preschoolers are continuing to explore their environment and learn about about the world around them. Many children at this age really enjoy and participate in dramatic play.
Toys now generally have a broader age range such as; ages 3-5 years and 3 years and up. Continue to avoid toys ending with age 3, such as 2-3 years.
DO LOOK FOR:
-play dough
-Craft supplies; blunt nosed scissors, glue, paint, construction paper, crayons, markers
-Easel
-Dress up clothes
-Play kitchen, dishes and food
-Puppet theatre and puppets
-Blocks
AVOID:
-Colouring books
-Toddler puzzles
-Toy computers
Puppet Theatre
Fourth Birthday:
Many four year olds are in Junior Kindergarten and are more complex in their play. They need many open ended toys that allow them to extend and combine materials: example: wooden blocks are used to build roads to drive their cars on.
Toys tend to not state ages 4 years and up, but rather state 3 years and up or 5 years and up. Use your judgement on weather a toy labelled 5 years and up would be suitable for the recipient. Most children at age 4 are no longer putting toys in their mouths, so chocking concerns are subdued.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Lego
-Building toys such as marble works
-24-48 piece puzzles
-Cars
-Dolls and doll play accessories
-Dress up clothes
-Board games
-Action figures
AVOID:
-Large Mega blocks
-Colouring books
-Toy computers
-Wooden puzzles
-Barbie
Marble Works
Fifth Birthday:
Five year olds, like four year olds, are complex in their play. Readiness to read are more evident at this age and become of greater interest to children.
Toys that suggest ages 5 and up are good for this age, however many children are ready for toys labelled ages 6 and up as well.
DO LOOK FOR:
-Phonic and sight word story books
-Games and activities that encourage letter recognition
-Lego
-Building toys such as Kinex or Lincoln logs
-Board Games
-48-100 piece puzzles
AVOID:
-Colouring books
-Barbie
-Craft kits that are not open ended (Only one way to do it)
Child draws and writes their own story which is then published into a real book
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