Six Tips for Entertaining with Kids
Do you think having kids means you can no longer entertain? It’s not true! Here are six key tips for entertaining with kids that help balance being a parent while hosting friends.
I often am asked, “Why do you think many parents “give up” on entertaining when their kids are still at home? How can they overcome the fear that sometimes prevents parents from wanting to entertain such as worrying about how the kids will behave or not having enough time to clean the house really well?”
I think the stress of being interrupted and not being able to truly enjoy conversation and adult time with friends leads to many parents thinking they can’t entertain while the kids are still at home. Add the pressure of having time to clean the house, cook a meal and it often leads to an automatic feeling of not wanting to add any more stress to your plate. But, we often forget that it’s really about spending time and connecting with people we care about versus a perfect home or a gourmet meal. Don’t underestimate a surface clean and straightening up of your house paired with food ordered from your favorite restaurant or a stack of delivery pizzas – it’s about having time together versus everything being perfect.
Here are six key tips to help you host while reducing the stress:
- Hire a Babysitter
Even though there are a number of adults in the house while attending the party, hire a baby sitter or recruit a couple of the teenagers to plan activities and keep an eye on the kids. That way the kids won’t be running to find their parents the whole night and it will be a fun night out for the adults and separately the kids will feel like they had a playdate as well.
- Give them their own space away from the adults
If possible, give the kids their own area to gather and play away from the adult entertaining area so the grown ups can take a moment away from feeling like parents and enjoy the company of their adult friends.
- Plan Activities
Plan activities for the kids to keep them busy, interested and entertained. Plan a couple of movies you know they want to see, set out snacks like popcorn or gummy worms to make it feel like a treat and layout blankets and pillows like a sleepover. Have a babysitter or teen plan some games or activities to keep them focused and having fun before the movie so they will get out all that extra energy and hopefully wind down for the evening and be ready for bed when they get home.
- Spot clean
Unless you know for certain that your guests will be roving your entire home, clean only the areas they are going to be in, such as the kitchen, gathering room and bathroom. Shut the doors to any rooms not cleaned, and you’ll be home free with a lot less stress.
- Order In
Don’t underestimate a surface clean and straightening up of your house paired with food ordered from your favorite restaurant or a stack of delivery pizzas – it’s about having time together versus everything being perfect.
- Have Kids Help with Prep
Kids love to feel that they are being included in seemingly ‘grown-up’ activities so have children preset the table, help make dessert or design cards for the buffet food or place settings.
Do you have any other tips you love? Share them with me in the comments below!
Happy Entertaining!
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