Bday Party Problems..?

Question

Here are some problems I have:

1. What are some fun games for 14 year olds? Anything that will keep us entertained for a few hours?

2. Whenever I have a party, people tend to go off and do their own thing. This makes me so frustrated that sometimes I wish I never had the party in the first place. How can i get them to LISTEN?

Answer 1

When my sister and I throw parties, whether it's for our 5 year old niece's birthday or girls night, we always have a schedule and keep to it pretty tight without giving it that schedule uptight feel. Plan out everything from guests arriving, like from this time to this time you'll wait for everyone to arrive and then start serving or announce that the food is ready, then give from this time to this to allow people to eat. Then plan the games section what games to play, I would include a pinata because it doesn't matter how old they are everyone loves to hit the pinata and the free candy, then after the pinata do cake after the cake do presents because everyone can be eating the cake while watching the birthday person open gifts. If you plan everything in a timely manner but not make everyone feel like they are on a schedule then it should come out great. Just don't tell people that there is a schedule only let those who are closely helping at the party in on the schedule.

Answer 2

I forget what its like to be a 14 yr old..lol...but maybe get a bingo game going or Twister..or play a karaoke type game..If you've got a pool, go swimming and play pool games or maybe you could set up some sort of obstacle course. Going in and watching movies with pillows and blankets all over the floor with chips, dips, popcorn and sodas to eat sound slike something 14 yr olds might do...

Answer 3

Going off on their own is fine, if that is what you want them to do.

But I've felt your frustration before! I've found that the best way to keep them interested is to not give them a choice. If having the party at home, that involves not having anything else available for them to do, so they don't have an option other than participating in the activities. That means moving stuff out or putting it away/out-of-sight. As kids get older, from about 8 years old on, they do often want to go off and do their own thing (even if you have awesome stuff planned!).

I've also found that sometimes a combination of the two, where you have some scheduled things going on, and then later let them do their own thing by bringing out games, magazines, craft stuff, etc. works.

I've attached a link to some fun games for that age group - you might find something there that holds their interest!

Answer 4

Find out what they like to do. Ask around. Make sure you have music going at all times. That always helps.