Some children just aren’t that into parties, writes Clare Wishart. Why do we have parties? What are we celebrating in that nebulous notion of ‘turning’ a new age? When I was growing up, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Now, I am a mother myself,...
Kate Gorringe-Smith considers the fine line between social tact and lies. We have just hosted our middle son’s seventh birthday party. We had eight screaming little terrors at our house, not including our own, racing up and down the garden, throwing popcorn in each others’ drinks,...
Lisa Poisso canvasses the fun to be found in turning the mess around. Messy art possibilities are endless, and backyards are an ideal setting for this type of activity. ‘Paint-stomping’ is a favourite. Why not make the birthday party mess the main event? Messy parties give kids...
There are many ways to encourage children to write thank-you notes, writes Kathy Sena. The birthday party is over, the kids are happily exhausted and full of cake—and you can pat yourself on the back for pulling off a successful celebration. It's time to put your...
We all enjoy a good party, and Ruth Wajnryb reminds us of their primary purposes. Nostalgia is a funny thing—funny-peculiar, not funny, ha-ha. Once you’re on a jaunt down memory lane, it’s easy to get carried away. Take children’s birthday parties, for instance. When I was raising...
When her daughter turns 12, Stephanie Legg-England decides that some pampering is in order. It’s not easy to run a birthday party for children if you are shy, or if your mother and sisters live too far away to help, or if you want a personal...
Avoiding excess can sow the seeds for a successful birthday party, writes Martha Miller. Giving your child a memorable birthday party is one of the many pleasures of being a parent. But it’s easy to get carried away in the party-supplies aisle where everything seems inexpensive...
The best venue for your child’s party might be at the end of your street, writes Claire Yezbak Fadden. Is your home too small to accommodate 10 seven year olds running around? Or are you the kind of mum who wants to be more hands-on with...
Keen to celebrate Halloween this year? Get creative and crafty with these fun ideas. From classic ghosts to quirky fruit inspired outfits and tasty treats....
One simple idea had the young Christine Kininmonth utterly entranced. When I was eight, my nemesis Jenny, flanked by her posse of hangers-on, marched up to me at the school sandpit. “I’m having a sleepover birthday party,” she said, “and Mum says I have to invite...
