Whether it’s a Christmas party or a birthday party keeping kids engaged isn’t always the easiest thing in the world, especially if the party in question is mainly for adults in the form of a big family Christmas get-together.
If that’s you, then here are some good ideas to make sure the little ones don’t miss out during the adult celebrations, and the latter have a chance to get a decent kids-free catch-up:
Kids’ movie night.
In a separate room, put on a movie for the kids that they all love. Hopefully there’ll be some kind of consensus for what to watch… Set up some snacks, such as popcorn in striped cartons and crisps in bags with drinks containing paper straws. Put up a big sign on the door stating clearly: ‘No Adults Allowed’.
Kids’ karaoke session.
In a similar vein to movie night (i.e. keep them in a separate room away from the adults, but with teen supervision), set up a karaoke machine and let them sing to their little hearts’ content. For everyone’s sake, just make sure the screeching is far enough away from the adults not to interfere with their party.
Set up a craft table.
Get together a whole load of art supplies such as cards, colouring-in pencils, sticky tape, pompoms and crepe or tissue paper and let them get started. Leave out glue unless there’s going to be an older kid there to supervise. A fun (and wise) thing to do is use butcher’s paper instead of a tablecloth that way the kids can draw and write all over it.
Bring out board games.
Get out a table, cushions or bean bags and present a few board games for the kids. Depending on what ages they are this could range from Snakes and Ladders to The Game of Life, Charades, etc. You might need an older teen present to officiate when the cries of ‘cheat’ ring out.
Dress up box.
If the kids are still of primary school age then setting up a dressing up box always goes down well. Encourage them to make up a little play or some ‘turns’ that their characters can do to show off to the adults later on.
Use the kids as helper elves.
Kids love to have a part in grown up organising. So, to keep them amused while you’re making food by getting them to help you ice cakes and sprinkle toppings on them. They could also help set up savoury snack plates or even make sandwiches if they’re old enough. Making marshmallow snowmen with chocolate buttons is a fun treat to make at this time of year.
Get dancing.
Most people – kids and adults alike – love a boogie to music, so make sure you have some time during your get-together doing just that. Kids and adults can bop along together; the kids will love watching the older adults attempt to do some of the trendier moves (or they may be embarrassed – who can say?)