There are as many themes for kids’ birthday parties are there are days in a year, and probably more! Here are just a few tips on how to choose one, especially if you feel your child wants one you feel is inappropriate.
First look at your child’s interests. If they are old enough they have probably had their next birthday theme picked out since their last birthday! If they’re too young for this there are many ideas suggested by party websites for babies and toddlers. If you find that your child wants a theme that is inappropriate due to who/what it is or due to their age a good way to help sway them to something you approve of is to get a catalog, like from Birthday Express. Rip out several themes you approve of and have them choose one. If they do not wish to go along with this strategy then remind them that whoever pays for and manages the party gets to have a say in what theme it is, otherwise they can have a quiet family celebration instead.
Baby and toddler themes are quite easy choose. Many people like Elmo, Sesame Street, baby Looney Toons, Care Bears, Winnie-the-Pooh, just to name a few. When they are this young you do not even need to have a theme. Just go back to way parties used to be and provide balloons, cake and a few games! They’ll be thrilled!! This will work for about 2, maybe 3 birthdays, before they want to choose their own.
Great toddler themes are Bob the Builder, Strawberry Shortcake, Dora the Explorer, Diego, Backyardigans, as well as others. Toddlers start to show their independence by insisting on certain themes. Not that they even know what one is, but it’s great to get them involved in the decision making process so they can feel the excitement and the opportunity to “own” the decisions being made.
It’s important to let little ones, as well as older children, make some decisions about their party. We, as parents, make the majority of the decisions in their lives. This can frustrate them if they feel they have no control. By giving them the opportunity to make many small decisions in their lives they feel a sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and independence.
Themes for older children range from Star Wars to Power Rangers, pool parties, Hawaiian themes, etc. They are just as plentiful.
Remember, choosing an age appropriate theme not only sends a message to your child about what is appropriate for them, but also to your child’s friends and their parents about what you feel the limitations should be on what characters are appropriate for that age. When I send my 7 year old to a birthday party with a theme that includes characters I won’t let him watch on TV I make a mental note to myself, “Don’t let my child play at that child’s house” because I don’t want him watching those kinds of shows yet (if ever). Or, if he did play at that child’s house I would make it clear to the parent that he is not allowed to watch TV (play computer games, eat sweets, etc) while he’s there. If I’m not there to approve of it then I do not want him doing it. Not to mention, this is a play time so they should play together.
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