1st Birthday Ideas for Older Siblings: Assign Your Child a Special Task

A first birthday party involves so much hustle and bustle that toddlers can feel stressed out and forgotten about with all the activity. To help an older child feel included in a first birthday party, give her a job that makes her feel needed and important.

• Gift Opener One-year-olds have not quite learned the art of opening presents, but a toddler or preschooler knows exactly what to do.
• Favor Distributer Keep older siblings busy by putting them in charge of passing out favors. They will delight in giving away tiny wrapped packages and you will not have to worry about forgetting them.
• Song Leader When a baby turns one, everyone wants to take part in a wishful chorus of "Happy Birthday." Give an older child the honor of starting the song for her little brother or sister.