Strategies for Hosting an Inclusive Kids Birthday Party
It’s essential to have strategies on hand for hosting an inclusive kids’ birthday party. One of the best things about birthday parties for kids is inviting all of their friends to celebrate with them. Of course, you want everyone to show up and have a good time. But that depends so much on whether you’ve ensured the party welcomes kids with a range of needs and backgrounds.
Close to 240 million children are living with a disability worldwide, according to the United Nations. In the U.S., cognitive difficulty is the most common disability among children 5 and up.
It’s wise to conclude that some of your partygoers will be navigating a disability. This makes focusing on inclusivity when planning and hosting your party incredibly important.
The Significance of an Inclusive Kids’ Birthday Party
Living with a disability presents unique challenges for anyone, but especially children. Kids love to play and explore. They’re particularly fond of parties because they get to spend time with friends and have fun. Imagine being limited in doing these things because of a disability.
Unfortunately, that’s the experience for many children. Some activities are off-limits. And they can’t attend events like parties because the places where these events are hosted don’t accommodate their needs adequately.
No child should be excluded from attending a birthday party. You can ensure that no child is left behind at your birthday parties by ensuring they’re inclusive and accommodating to a wide variety of needs.
Practical Tips for Hosting an Inclusive Birthday Party
Hosting an inclusive birthday party requires some extra effort on your part. You’ll need to make sure every aspect of the party is mindful of various disabilities and needs. But it will be worth it seeing every kid thoroughly enjoying themselves at the party regardless of their abilities and backgrounds.
Implement these tips to host a party that accommodates all kids.
Ask parents about accommodations
The parents of the kids you’re inviting are your best source for finding out what needs you need to accommodate at the party. They can give you insight into the disabilities, food sensitivities, and other challenges their child is navigating and how to best accommodate them in a party setting.
Most parents will appreciate you asking, so long as you do it respectfully. Don’t try to pry information out of parents they don’t want to give you. Simply asking for parents to disclose any accommodations their child may require at the party on the RSVP would suffice.
You could also make personal phone calls to each parent if you think that would be more comfortable for them.
Consider unconventional party ideas
There’s usually a lot going on at birthday parties, from games to entertainment like magic shows to eating to opening presents to kids running all over the party playing together. This atmosphere is fun and exciting for many kids.
But those living with physical and cognitive disabilities may find the chaos disorienting and uncomfortable. Instead of a typical party, a unique alternative may serve kids living with disabilities better. Doing something different could be a great experience for your child and the other kids too.
Consider hosting a small weekend sleepover. See what it costs to rent out a movie theater for a movie day. You could host a field day in your backyard with sensory-friendly activities. Or, maybe you have a kid-friendly karaoke night.
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box for your kid’s birthday party to accommodate all the kids invited.
Choose the right location for the party
One of the most important considerations to make for an inclusive birthday party is where you will host it. The party’s location will absolutely impact who can come and how much they enjoy it.
If you plan to have your party outside of your home, ask how the facility accommodates kids with disabilities. You can use the information you collected from parents to ask questions about specific accommodations. They won’t be able to meet every need. But do your best to choose a place that gets close.
Throwing an at-home birthday party is also an option. You have more control over what happens and how you accommodate the kids’ needs.
Create a sensory-friendly party environment
Wherever you host your kids’ birthday party, creating a sensory-friendly party environment is crucial. Many children live with difficulties processing sensory stimuli. Unfortunately, a party can potentially stimulate all their senses.
You can be considerate of kids with sensory challenges by keeping noise levels low. Designate quiet spaces in your home. Set expectations with performers beforehand. And offer sensory-friendly activities like crafts and a scavenger hunt.
Have a wide variety of food choices
Around 5.6 million children have food allergies, according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). Because of this, an inclusive party for kids must have a wide variety of food choices. Offer foods free of the most common food allergens, which include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, and wheat, according to FARE.
You can still offer common party food, like pizza, hotdogs, chips, and dip. But also provide nutritious and delicious party foods for those with food sensitivities and dietary restrictions.
Fruits and vegetables, dairy, and whole grains aren’t just good for kids physically, they’re also some of the best foods for healthy teeth and gums. So, put out a fruit and vegetable platter, whole grain crackers and chips, and string cheese for some healthy alternatives.
Every party you throw for your kids can be an inclusive one when you implement the tips above.
