How to Survive a Children's Party

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Somehow, you've managed to score yourself a mandatory invitation to a children's party. Likely you're a family member of a child, but you may be a family friend, babysitter, or anyone else. Assuming you can't avoid the party without death or dishonor, how do you get through without suffering?

Steps

1
Dress appropriately. Don't wear anything that you wouldn't wear around a horde of rambunctious children - if you'd be worried about it in their hands, it should stay home. This applies to everything from delicate jewelry to just your favorite shirt, the one you'd be really upset if someone accidentally dropped a slice of pizza on. You'll be able to have a much better time if you don't feel the need to constantly be worried about protecting your property.
2
Consider eating beforehand. While some parties may have alternative food for adults (or, even, good food for everyone) many children's parties simply have pizza and cake. You may want to ask the host what the meal plan is, and if that food doesn't suit you, eat in advance.
- On the other hand, cake may be the best part of the party, and you should absolutely enjoy a slice (or two)!
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3
Prepare a strategy for dealing with other children. While it wouldn't do to avoid a child you're close with, what if a child you don't know is disturbing you? Prepare some kind remarks suitable for the type of party stating that you aren't interested in playing, but they might try an alternative activity of your suggestion. It really does help to suggest an alternative activity, sometimes! Even something as simple as "Why don't you play tag in the backyard instead of in the living room?" or "I know the birthday kid has crayons, why don't you ask if you can make some art?" can redirect them.
4
Engage with the children individually. While a group of them may be overwhelming, one or two children at a time may be fun to have a conversation with. Meet them on their level by hearing about what interests them, and you may have a better conversation than you would have expected.
5
Prepare a strategy for dealing with the guardians and related adults of other children. Sometimes, the parties are bad because the other adults are. If you won't be obligated to mingle with them, try downloading a book on your phone, or bringing a podcast. If you will be obligated to mix, consider in advance what you generally dislike about the situation and plan in advance what you will do. Polite disinterest is your friend, and vague remarks can make others disinterested in having a conversation with you.
- While it won't work often, and has the potential to backfire, you can consider faking an important phone call to take.
6
Plan ahead for other situations. If you know what type of party this is, you know what to expect. Is this a pool party, where you'll be encouraged to get in the water, too? Leave a swimsuit in your car or deliberately forget one at home as you see fit. Is this a field day, where you'll have to put a sweaty and potentially muddy child in your car on the way home? Remember to bring a towel.
7
Help the host. To stave off the enduring boredom of watching a crowd of children, see if the host needs help. Dishes to be washed? Food to set out? Help grilling? Do they need a DJ? It'll have the added bonus of earning their good graces.
8
Go with an open mind! Don't discount the idea of playing with the kids, or of getting silly with them. Children often love older people who engage with them, play their games, and (at younger ages) make-believe.
9
Know when to leave, and thank your host. There is, certainly, some minimum amount of time you have to stay, and if you're supervising a child it's probably best not to make them leave early. But when it is suitable, say a quick good-bye, thank the host for inviting you, and remind your child what they can look forward to at home to encourage them to adopt the same pace (a little bribery may not hurt, either)!