When hiring entertainment is not an option, play GAMES!

NOTICE: Although the games and activities contained indicated here have been tested and researched to the best of our ability, individual results may vary. All recommendations and suggestions are made without any guarantees on the part of the author or Funcastle Publications. The author and publisher disclaim all liability incurred in connection with the use of this information.

The most popular form of entertainment for children's birthday parties is games, games and more games. But, if the thought of playing another round of musical chairs, pin-the-tail on the donkey or hot potato makes you want to beg and plead with your child to settle for a party away from home, don't get on your knees just yet. Instead, take a look at these new exciting games for children to enjoy.

Make a Schedule - The ideal party schedule includes an arrival activity, games, refreshments, gift opening and a farewell activity. If you want your party to last 2 hours plan on a 15 minute arrival activity, 45 minutes of games, refreshments for 30 minutes and gift opening to take 20 minutes. Close the party with a 10 minute farewell activity and you can easily fill a 2 hour period.

What if things don't go according to my plan? This is true of almost every party I've hosted or attended. When children are involved, there is no such thing as clockwork. It's extremely important to be relaxed and willing to change your schedule to accommodate your guests. The schedule is only an outline to help you manage the party with ease. Flexibility is the key to ensure it's success.

Selecting Games and Activities - The most important thing to remember when selecting games for a celebration is to include your child. Who knows best which games will be the hit of the party? Make a preliminary list of the games you can do based on availability and cost of materials. Review some of the games with your child and choose their favorites. Surprises are nice, so now that you know the types of games your child will like best, pick 2 or 3 more and add them to the line-up.

If your child is too young to decide, use their personality as a guide. Do they like to help you with the dishes? Play "Dishpan Derby." Maybe they enjoy giving the dog a bath, choose "Give That Dog a Bath." Include them in the game plan by selecting games that involve a few of their favorite things.

Planning Games for Special Events - Use the party suggestions when planning games for classrooms, youth group meetings and other special occasions. Select games based on the ages of the children who will be in attendance. The time guidelines will give you an idea of how many games to plan for their entertainment.

If you are planning a carnival or company picnic, ask for volunteers to lead groups of children in different games and activities to keep the entertainment moving at a steady pace. There are many exciting games and relays his site that will make any special event extraordinary.

The Game Plan - Now that you've decided how long the game portion of your party or special event will last, add the times of your selections to be sure you have planned enough games. Add 2 - 4 more games to your game plan in case you need to keep the children entertained for a little longer.

Write down the order in which you'd like to play the games. It's a good idea follow up a relay or active game with a quiet game or activity. By alternating active and quiet games you can maintain a balance in the children's energy levels and keep the party manageable.

Rainy Day Plan - No one can predict what Mother Nature will do on the day of your party, so it's always best to have an indoor plan. Most of the games in this site can be played in or out of doors. If you've selected a few games or relays that can only be played outside, choose and prepare a few alternate games for a rainy day plan.

ARRIVAL ACTIVITIES

An arrival activity is recommended to keep the children entertained until all of the guest arrive. A handmade craft will ease the children into the party atmosphere. Welcome the children to join in as soon as they arrive and let them know they're just in time for the games and excitement planned for the party. Their works of art will create a special and inexpensive favor for each to take home. Most of all, it will bring a priceless gleam to their eyes when they happily announce "I made it myself."

Remember to check the label before you purchase glue, paints, marking pens or crayons to be sure they are non-toxic and washable. If a child is to assist you in cutting materials for preparations, supply children's safety scissors for them to use.

or choose to hire a professional, yep, a professional games host master

LET THE FUN BEGIN . . .

• Barbecues
• Beach Parties
• Camp-Outs
• Church Socials
• Classroom Activities
• Company Picnics
• Family Activities
• Family Reunions
• Fund-Raising Activities
• Home schools
• Preschools
• Rainy Days
• School Carnivals
• Sick in Bed
• Slumber Parties
• Travel (photocopy and simple art projects)
• Youth Group Meetings

CHARMandHAPPY.com Picnic Games Host Master Carmen Tellez

Company picnic games | Carnival games | Sumo suits

A Little Help From Your Friends and Relatives - Call upon a friend or relative to assist you at eh party to help you with the games and activities, serving refreshments, gift opening and clean up. Assign the duties each of you will be responsible for during the party. Remember to show your appreciation by sending a thank you card, inviting them to lunch or by offering to return the favor at their child's next party.

Teenagers are great party assistants. They gladly accept fun, money-making opportunities. Off to pay more than a babysitter's regular fee; it will be a good investment. Clearly define what their duties will be throughout the party.

Siblings - Older siblings will feel special on this day if you allow them to help with the games and activities. They can help you set up the games and assist the younger children with the craft activities. They can retrieve the items tossed in the carnival style games. If a relay calls for an even numbered player, they can fill the space. Assign them the duty of "prize monitor" to hand out the prizes and favors for each game.

Helping with the games is for fun than a chore. They'll be delighted with the responsibility and feel as though they contributed to the success of the party. Be sure to award them a special prize for their assistance.

Candid Moments - Ask an "aspiring" amateur photographer to take pictures during the games (a friend, neighbor or relative). Children are the best models when they're too busy having fun to notice the camera. You'll have some great candid shots to add to their memory book for the party.

Me First! - Here are some lining-up tips to help you avoid conflicts for the order of play: Announce that the birthday child will be first in line for all of the games. Everyone knows it's their special day and most of the children will be more than willing to step aside. This will allow you to line up everyone behind the birthday child. If there is a struggle over who will be next in line, you can determine the order by announcing "shortest to tallest," "ladies first," "youngest to oldest" or "A,B,C order." Inform the children this will be the order of play for each game and make a game of it. Tell the children to remember who is in front of them and line up behind that person every time.

If two children are fighting in line, change the order and put a few children in between them so they can't reach one another. It would immediately stop the conflict.

Make an announcement to encourage quick and orderly behavior, such as "the faster we line up, the more games we can play" or you can offer a special treat to be awarded to all at the end of the games if they've been on their best line-up behavior.

It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want to - There is always a possibility the guest of honor will be out of sorts with all of the attention and excitement, so it's wise to have both parents in attendance at the party. If that's not possible, designate a special helper such as a babysitter, a willing grandparent or a relative to assist you in this or any other crisis that might take you away from the party.

If your child (or a child without supervision) becomes unruly, have the designated helper quietly lead them away from the party area. While remaining in full view of the fun and games, explain they may join in after they take a moment to calm down. By separating them for the festivities, their behavior should improve when they see the party can and will go on without them.

Sitting on the Sidelines - Some children are inhibited when it comes to playing games. If a child says they do not wish to play, please don't ask several time "are you sure you don't want to play?" Instead, quietly say to them "That's all right, but if you think you'd like to join in later that would be okay, too."

One thing I have found to work with shy children is to let them watch the other guests to see exactly how the game is played. Then if the game allows, I pick it up and take it to where they are seated and ask "would you like to try from here?" Soon they are lining up with the rest of the guests to join in the fun. If they say no, I quickly move on to the next game. Be sure to include them when it comes to handing out favors for each games whether or not they participated.

Encore, Encore - If a game is a hit and the majority of the children want to play it again, let them. Your schedule of games is designed to be flexible. By allowing the children to play their favorite games more than once you can stretch the game plan. For games 7 minutes or longer, play only twice. For games under 6 minutes, play two or three times. Observe the children's enthusiasm while participating to determine if another round should be played or if it would be best to move on the next game or activity.

Prizes for encore games can be any of the following: a round of applause or a standing ovation (all encores deserve a standing ovation!), fruit snacks, stickers, hand stamp or a consolation prize not needed for another prize. Be sure to announce the prize before beginning the next round so the children won't expect the same prize to be awarded.

Have Fun - Children enjoy watching a grown-up laugh, play and act just plain silly. You don't have to make an absolute fool of yourself, but do please have some fun! If you've ever wanted to go back to your childhood, this is a great opportunity to do so and share it with your child.

Tips for Toddlers - Some the games in this site can include toddlers in the event younger siblings, relatives or friends attend the party. Structured games and activities aren't really recommended for an entire group of two or three year old's because of their temperaments.

The "Terrible" Two's - Terrible is such strong word, how about the "Transitional Two's?" It's a time of social adjustment every two year old will experience. Therefore, a group of two year old's can present quite a challenge to the (very brave) party host.

A great party for a two year old would be a family outing to their favorite place. Make it memorable by presenting them with a special souvenir and a dessert with candles. Don't forget to sing "Happy Birthday!"

Three Year Old's - Three year old's can be an unpredictable crowd. some three's are social, some are as mature as four year old's, while others are still experiencing the "Transitional Two's." For this reason, I recommend parties that allow the children to do things at their own pace.

Great parties for three year old's could consist of free play activities. Consider a wading pool party, a sand box social or a collection of creative arts and crafts projects.

#CharmandHappy| QUOTE | BOOK NOW!

CONTACT US: email Carmen@CharmandHappy.com | 562-237-3327 Call/Text