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Care and Treatment of Children at
Holiday Parties
by Patty Sachs
Have you been to holiday parties where the children are playing catch
with tree ornaments, finger painting with the guacamole dip or reveling
in other equally annoying and distracting antics?
Most often these 'holiday hooligans' are just bored and restless at an
event designed with adults in mind. And why wouldn't they be? Dressed in
their uncomfortable best, threatened with horrible consequences if their
behavior doesn't pass muster, with an array of appetizers including
liver pate sandwiches to munch on, it is certain their fertile minds
search for a bit of fun or frolic. Why not a lively game of "ornament
toss" or creative "dip decorating?"
Are you a host dreading this scenario at your holiday gala? The very
good news is that there is no need for party planning panic!
The following strategies will shore you up if you are concerned that the
rowdy behavior of your young guests will detract from the overall
festive mood you have worked so hard to create for your gathering.
For a 100% turnout, send an invitation to each child, with instructions
to "bring your parents." This strategy generally guarantees enthusiasm
and involvement and in most cases, the child's best "guest of honor"
behavior.
Set up a specially decorated area for the children, complete with kid
refreshments, a few activities to keep them entertained, and perhaps a
teen-aged guest or two to act as "counselors" to supervise the
youngsters. (Reward these kid wranglers with cash or a "hot" gift item.)
* Organize quick and easy craft projects that will serve as holiday
gifts and include wrapping supplies to keep the little workshop elves
busier, longer.
Provide a few costume effects like hats, scarves, gloves, glasses along
with some props to inspire tiny thespians in giving a short skit or
musicale for the adults. Set up a boom box with holiday music to inspire
the cast members. The rehearsals alone will absorb kids for a stretch of
time. Videotape the production for a premier viewing which, along with
signing autographs, will occupy the "stars." Real ambitious? Create
small awards for all winning performances.
At a family gathering, assign each school-age child a senior guest to
"look after," to help fetch refreshments, clear away soiled glasses,
plates, etc. This important role
About the author
Well-known celebration expert, Patty Sachs is the author of party
planning guide books: Pick A Party: The Big Book of Party Themes and
Occasions (1997) and Pick A Party Cookbook (1998). She is also the
author of numerous entertaining and party planning articles and is the
co-owner of PartyPlansPlus.com an on-line party consultation service.
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