IMAGE: unsplash

As a parent setting up a birthday party, it can be too easy to focus on your kid and their wants and needs during the big day. While your child means the world to you, if you’re inviting other kids, then you need to take a moment to ensure that you’re allowing them a fair shot to enjoy the party as well. If any kids require a wheelchair, have sensory sensitivities, or have other particular circumstances, then you want to ensure you’re doing what you can to help them feel welcomed. 

Here are some tips for throwing an inclusive birthday party that everyone in attendance will surely enjoy.

Party Ideas And Decorations

You’ll need to take care of several things before the party, and one of them is decorating the space per your theme. 

If you’re throwing the party at home, then there are almost an unlimited number of fun birthday party ideas to consider, from a water party to a balloon theme, where you hang balloons from every surface from floor to ceiling. However, before you go all in, consider contacting the other kids’ parents and asking if they have any sensitivities. Loud popping balloons could bother children with autism, and abundant bright colors could disturb those with sensory sensitivities. So, it’s better to reach out and be safe than sorry.

As a side note, if you know that kids will be attending who may need extra help when it comes to accessibility, and you want to ensure that your child understands why you’re making concessions, then it may be a good time to teach them by sharing children’s books that promote inclusion, such as “Special People, Special Ways” by Arlene Maguire.

As you’re hanging up your decorations, it’s essential to put up accessible signage that’s clear and understandable for all guests. You can hang signs that tell the kids where the bathrooms are located, the types of games that will be played in a particular area, and signs that describe the snacks. When creating signage, make the text concise and straightforward so as not to be confusing. Also, place the signs at an appropriate height so everyone can read them. Finally, it doesn’t hurt to add braille lettering onto all signs and labels in case a child requires them while reading.

Inclusive Activities

While you’re planning the party, you should also think about fun activities that will be fun and accessible for all the guests that attend. A good way to approach this is to have various games so the kids can choose what they want to do. So, you could have traditional party games, like musical chairs and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and make it known that everyone is allowed to play and that the activities are optional.

You can also have games and activities that can be enjoyable for kids with sensory sensitivities, like a craft table where kids can create projects at their own pace. Another option is to put out a bounce house or trampoline since they are known to be a great outlet and a self-soothing technique for kids with sensitivities. When you provide different games, designate separate areas for each activity so they don’t bleed over into each other and cause chaos.

If you’re not good at coming up with games, you could also throw the party at a kid-friendly venue in town, like a rental hall, a restaurant, or a park. There are many party locations that can be fun for everyone, including the bowling alley, where kids with restrictive movements can bowl with a ball ramp. A party at a zoo or aquarium is also a great choice because most establishments are equipped with ramps and elevators throughout the facilities.

Food, Quiet Spaces, And A Flexible Guest List

There are various other considerations to make when creating an inclusive birthday party, and one of them is to be smart about food and snacks. Try to offer hassle-free foods that aren’t difficult to open or consume. Try to avoid foods with tricky packaging and instead provide plenty of finger foods. Also, be aware that some kids may have food allergies, so offer various options and talk to parents before serving lunch or cake.

Next, it’s crucial to have a quiet space somewhere at the party where the kids can go if they’re experiencing sensory overload. This could be a separate room or a specific chair that’s put off to the side. When the guests arrive at the party, provide a tour and show where the quiet spaces are located so kids who need it can find the area and the other kids can respect the rules of that space.

Finally, be flexible with your guest list and consider welcoming support workers, parents, or siblings of the kids who attend if they help them feel more comfortable during the party. Once you know that a support worker may be showing up, you might call them to ask for help or tips to make the party as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

Consider these tips when you’re planning your child’s next birthday party, and you’ll make the event more enjoyable for all. The fact that you care about the needs of everyone at the event is very noble, and your guests will appreciate your efforts.