Summer Party Safety Tips for Parents

I’ll admit it, sometimes I make stupid decisions because of the guilty mother syndrome.  Like when I told both my daughters that they could have an end-of-the-school year party because I’m going to be busy working this summer and won’t be able to do a lot of things with them. And, of course, I couldn’t let one have a party and not the other.

So, this week I’ll be having twenty girls over to my house who range in age from six to ten.  Also, throw into that mix my two step kids and my son.  Yes, I know.  I’m nuts.

For any parents out there who might be contemplating the same insanity, here are some safety tips I’ve put in place to control the chaos (I hope).

• Get some rope and tie off the driveway and section off the area where the kids can play to create boundaries both for the kids and any parents that might want to drive up the driveway
• Have your First Aid supplies ready to go – BandAids, antibacterial gel and an ice pack
• If you have a pool, hire a Life Guard. You can’t watch the kids and the pool
• Chances are some child will forget to bring a towel or bag for their wet suits.
• Have some big Ziplock bags on hand that can be labeled and store all wet items.
• Get cell phone numbers for all the parents and be firm about pick-up time. Unfortunately too many parents see this as a free pass for a day/evening out themselves and will “forget” what time to come back to get their child.
• Have all your snacks and drinks set up and ready to go – have color coded bowls or post-its for beach item so your kids can help set it up. Stay away from dips and sugary items that can attract bugs or go bad in the heat.
• Have a big garbage bag set up right near the food area so the kids know where to throw plates, napkins, cups, etc.
• Have some markers on hand so each child can label their own cup
• Consider some “Plan B” activities for rain if they need to come inside.

Make sure your kids realize that they are the hosts and that means they are in charge of making sure everyone is included and everyone follows the rules.

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