Does this sound ok for a 4th birthday party?

[ilovespinach]

DS1 is having his 4th birthday party next week. It's the first time we have had a proper party for him as he asked for one this year and I'm having a bit of a wobble about the arrangements.

We're having it as a local childrens centre and have organised for the kids to do a craft activity - they will be making whatever they want with clay (there are 2 helpers there from the centre to do this with them). They will then be fired in the kiln and they can take them home or come back and paint them.

For the rest of the time - I would say just over an hour, we have another room. I was just planning a bit of cake and sweet things. Maybe some sandwhiches too...nothing heavy as I think the kids won't eat too much with being excited. I might lay out some bubbles for them to play with as well.

Is it realistic to expect the kids to just play amongst themselves for this time? Or do you think we should do some games? But then I was thinking that craft and games would be a bit of overkill for 4 year olds (and we have a couple of 2 year old siblings coming too).

There will be no party bags as we are paying for the kids to do the craft activity.

Please tell me if you think the plans are ok Nervous now...just hope that DS will have a good time

You don't say how many kids you've invited but I think you'll be shocked at how raucous the spare hour becomes (especially with boys)! I think children that age will need a bit of guidance otherwise it'll turn into chase and doofing each other!
Perhaps just a few simple games with free play in between would be better than a whole hour of chaos.

yes they will need something to do in that room! And beware of just leaving bubles out, the floor will be awash with mixture in a trice

Some games would be good, passs the parcel, musical statues (with a prize) whats the time mr wolf etc

How many have you got coming? I hope its not double figures!

hmm yes - bubble mixture mixed with sandwiches and cake.......

ok good point with the bubble mixture.....was very much going for the lazy option there....

Will talk to DH about party games...could do pass the parcel and musical statues....

I'm afraid I made a big error and I let DS invite whoever he wanted to the party...I never dreamed all but 2 would accept....there are about 12 kids including mine

OMG - get some more people to help!

We had 12 at DS(5) party at my house this Feb and it was completely manic so I speak with experience! Luckily, it was an army party and so we had loads of activities lined up for them. Teatime though was bedlam.

Tis only for 2 hours and some other parents will be there....hope we survive

Will not be making the same mistake next year

Excitement doesn't stop my DS1 from eating

You will definatly need to do something in that other room. What if they can't all fit round the craft table? Or if a couple of them don't want to do the craft?

Pass the parcel and musical bumps are a good idea. Bubbles are banned in my house for a Very Good Reason (DS2).

I would also do party bags if it were me but put their craft item in it and a piece of cake and just 1 small other thing.

I'd also have a few party games ready to play. They takes ages to organise (you'll appreciate the nursery teachers patience) so 3-4 should be enough for the full hour. 12 isn't that bad, especially in a closed environment and with other parents around. Have fun!

If you have music, things like Farmers in the Den and the Hokey Cokey are good especially if they've done them at nursery.

Yes, as "Idontknow" suggests - music for action songs would be great - I am the music man, Superman, the birdie song (yes I am that old), the conga, amarillo. etc. A great way to finish off.

Pass the parcel is nice and calming, so is "sleeping lions"!

I'd save the bubbles for a going-home gift.

Have fun!