1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have two children, both grown now, and two grandsons. so it's all coming around again!
I have a BS in Early Childhood Education, a Masters in Special Education, and have been
teaching Child Development at the local college for nearly 30 years. I began teaching Parent-Infant
classes soon after my first child was born--a great way to learn about the interests and needs
of new parents.
2. How did you get into writing party planning books?
I started writing party books when I found nothing on the bookshelves that offered ideas and was overwhelmed thinking about how to entertain a bunch of kids for two hours--for the next several years!
I asked several parents for suggestions and compiled them into my first birthday party book for kids--Happy Birthday Parties.
3. What is your favorite party planning idea?
The best party my kids still remember today was a Reverse Surprise Party....we told the guests' parents that we would be picking up their kids early Saturday morning--in their pajamas!--and taking them to a restaurant for breakfast in their pjs! It was a blast!
4. What tips do you have for someone planning a birthday party?
1. Plan in advance to make sure you cover all the details. 2. Pick a theme of interest to your child and wrap the party around it, everything from invitations and decorations, to games, food and favors. 3. Get help--hire a babysitter to offer a hand at the party. 4. Keep the number of invited guests to a minimum and keep the party short and sweet.
Thanks for your post. I was very inspired to create a similar program at our local women's shelter, and we'll start hosting parties for the children there in March. Good luck on your party adventures!
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