Taking action

• Decide how your family will celebrate birthdays and, if possible, involve the kids in the decision making.

• Create a work plan to manage preparation for the birthday party.

• Create a plan to manage the things you have to do in the days leading up to and on the day of the party.

• Remember that birthday parties are meant to be fun and that planning is a way of making them hassle-free so that you can have fun too!

• Choose a style of birthday party that your child and family will enjoy at the time (home, outdoor or outsourced, for example).

• Create a list of favourite presents to use as a reference for you and the kids when you have to buy a gift.