Let Older Kids Help Plan & Prep for a 1st Birthday

You will spend many hours planning and getting ready for a child's first birthday; it has to be perfect, right? However, other kids in the family just see you spending extra time and effort on the baby. An older sibling will not feel left out if you let him assist you with party planning and preparation. Think about these things a young child can do:

• Help pick a theme or color scheme for party decorations
• Decorate cupcakes or other special treats
• Play with the baby while you clean for the party
• Choose a birthday gift for the baby
• Set up toys, games and crafts to entertain kids during the celebration
• Select a special birthday outfit for the baby (provide two or three to choose from that have mommy approval)