Have a question about getting organized, preparing a will, planning a party - or anything else you're dealing with in your life as a parent? Come ask the experts what you want to know! A selection of answers to your questions will be posted on the site each week.
The question:
I have three kids - all different ages - and I still don't have the party thing down. Do you have any recommendations about how long parties should last for the different age groups? And how many kids is it appropriate to invite?
The Party Planner Answers:
The when and whom of a party can be difficult to decide. The following
guidelines may help in deciding how many children to invite and how long
the party should be.
Age 1: 1/2 to 1 hour
Since the child really has no concept of the parties, schedules and
formal games are not necessary. The occasion itself is significant,
and should consist of mainly close family members.
Age 2: 1 to 1-1/2 hours
Children still are not quite able to grasp the concept of a party by
the age of two. Few activities will be enough for the party time.
There should be a parent for each child, so about four to five children
should be appropriate.
Age 3: 1 to 2 hours
A couple of hours is plenty for three-year-olds. They are a little
more used to social situations and are more active. About five to
eight children is a good number of guests, depending on whether or not
you will have enough help at the party.
Age 4: 1-1/2 to 2 hours
The key with four-year-olds is to keep the party moving. The
number of guests can range from eight to twelve kids, if you have good
help.
Age 5: up to 2 hours
In this age group, the children can handle a couple of hours of activities.
The guest list should not be too overwhelming, especially if you decide
to take the party outside the home. Up to fifteen children can be
invited for an in-home party and ten for an outside venue.
Age 6 and up: 2 to 2-1/2 hours (do not exceed
3 hours)
As the children get older, they usually determine how the party will
play out. The planned schedule may change, so the time frame will
allow for changes like that. The children are usually easier to handle
and don't require an adult for each child, so the number of invited children
can range from twelve to eighteen.
The time of your party should also be determined by whether or not you
will be serving a meal (not including cake and ice cream). Morning parties
should end by 11:30 am, afternoon parties should begin about 1:00 pm, and
evening parties should end around 5:30 p.m. Nothing could distract
a partygoer more than a growling tummy!
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