Invitations

• Who should you invite to your child's birthday party? For a younger child, it's fine to simply go with family only. As your child gets older, an easy guideline is to invite as many children as your child's age, plus one. You do not have to invite your child's entire class, Boy Scout troop or soccer team. But if you don't, try to be discreet when handing out invitations. Feel free to ask for an RSVP for your child's party. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be prepared.
  
  

Games

• You might wonder whether competitive party games are appropriate for your child's birthday party. Just make sure the prize is small so other children aren't jealous. And include non-competitive options as well, like crafts or a group game. If a child seems like she doesn't want to compete in the game, don't push. Let her do something else while the other children play.
  
  

Gifts

• Gifts are a fun part of birthday parties, both for the birthday child and his guests. Many people don't open the gifts at the party anymore, preferring to focus on group activities. If you want your child to open his gifts, it's definitely acceptable. But don't make gift opening the party's main feature. Do it last, instead. Also, you can make opening gifts a lesson for your child. Make sure he thanks each giver as he opens the gifts and refrains from negative comments, like mentioning he already has one of the toys.
  
  

Misbehavior

• Anytime a group of children gets together, misbehavior is possible. It's never fun to handle a misbehaving child, but it may be necessary. If the child's parent is at the party, ask him or her to take care of the situation. If the parent is absent, intervene with the child in a positive way. For example, direct her to another game or toy. If that doesn't work, you may have to remove the child to a quiet spot to calm down. It's never appropriate to strongly discipline another parent's child. If you simply cannot control her, call her parents to come pick her up.
  
  

Thank You Notes

• Thank you notes are still a necessity. Not only is a gift-giver deserving of a thank you, it teaches your child proper manners. They don't have to be long, just a simple note of thanks mailed out within two weeks of the party. If your child can't write yet, do it for him and let him scrawl a signature on the bottom. If he can, don't do it for him. You can help him decide what to say, but he should be the one to write the note.