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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

kids party

29 replies

pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 13:47

Having a party near xmas,hiring a magician and face painter,is it ok to not have party games?just seems a bit much and extra cost

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Dontpanicpyke · 19/10/2016 13:49

Sounds great. Maybe free games like good old musical bumps/statues to iPod.

KoalaDownUnder · 19/10/2016 13:49

How are they extra cost?

Aren't games kind of the point of the party?

Aeroflotgirl · 19/10/2016 13:49

That is plenty, no need for party games.

BoboBunnyH0p · 19/10/2016 13:50

How long is the magicians show? How long is the party?

wigglesrock · 19/10/2016 13:50

I think it's fine, I don't think there's been many party games played at hall type parties my kids go to. I'd bring something you can play music on, I was going to say a CD player but that ages me Grin. Stick some music on, let them have a bit of a jump around and you're grand.

knaffedoff · 19/10/2016 13:51

It really depends on whether the magician is planning to occupy the guests fully and do games for you

DramaInPyjamas · 19/10/2016 13:53

Are you having music/disco?

Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:02

party is 2 hours,magician for an hour but then he makes balloon models for everyone and is also bringing a guinea pig for kids to stroke,face painter is booked for 2 hours,also having food,would be extra cost as would have to get prizes if I did parce the parcel etc

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Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:05

my daughter has been to 2 hall type parties this year,neither have had games,1 had just a face painter and the other had a bouncy castle,i just didn't want kids getting bored for the last hour once the magic is done,but I also don't really want to be gamesmaster to 30 kids

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Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:06

we will have music yes

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DramaInPyjamas · 19/10/2016 14:07

That's more than enough, can I get an invite? ;)

I'd probably have a bit of music on in the background for the ones that aren't interested in face painting or Guinea pigs

They will all rather be running around chasing each other with balloons that sitting playing pass the parcel

Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:13

thank you,thats what I thought,just didn't want it to be crappy if games are expected

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NapQueen · 19/10/2016 14:14

When is the food?

Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:16

I was thinking of putting it out after the magician cos that will kill a bit of time,or should I have it out for the whole 2 hours I don't know this is my first party

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NapQueen · 19/10/2016 14:19

I'd let them run off some steam for 15/20 mins after the magician and play maybe two games (corners is a good one for a large group). Food and birthday cake for the last 40 mins.

AmeliaJack · 19/10/2016 14:21

If the magician goes for an hour and their is a face painter too there may not be time for games.

However I am a great believer in being over prepared for kids parties. Large groups of children behave best if they are kept occupied.

Just make sure you have a way to play music and a big tub of something like Haribo, then if necessary you can do musical statutes and musical bumps.

No prizes, but every kid gets a piece of hating as they are sent out.

If you can't play music you can do duck duck goose, bear in the honey pot or what's the time Mr Wolf.

Heads shoulders knees and toes and the Hokey Cokey also full time and don't need music or prizes.

YelloDraw · 19/10/2016 14:22

Have a couple of free games you can play in case the party descends into a rampage and needs a bit of structure.

bumsexatthebingo · 19/10/2016 14:24

Some balloons to bat around and the music should be fine.

Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:27

thanks for the ideas, hubby says hes not having anything to do with it,so god knows how I will get the kids attention,i wouldn't mind but their parents will all probably stay (I don't know any of them,we are inviting her class)and hoping they wont be judging me

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NapQueen · 19/10/2016 14:36

How kind of your dh.

Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:36

also do I need to do party bags if I'm doing sweetie cones

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AmeliaJack · 19/10/2016 14:36

Ok, some advice.

The only way to run party games is to go all out. Half shy, half embarrassed head, shoulders, knees and toes looks terrible and the kids won't join in.

You have to be loud (not shouty) smiley and very enthusiastic. Even if you are faking it.

Bear in mind small kids spend all day at school expecting to be told what to do by an adult, they are already trained - you just need to take charge.

Always give them clear instructions e.g. Make a circle or spread out.

Keep rules smile.

If a game isn't working don't worry about abandoning it and starting another.

In my experience the only judgement other parents make about an enthusiastic and authoritative party host is "I wish I could do that".

AmeliaJack · 19/10/2016 14:37

Sweetie cones are fine.

Unless you are also giving pieces of cake away in which put them in a bag.

Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:37

I know Nap Queen,hes doing the food to be fair,he just wont entertain

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Original poster
pissedoff2016 · 19/10/2016 14:39

well that's just not me at all Amelia jack,which is why I'm trying to get out of doing games

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