HELP! Birthday Party Ideas for a 9 year-old boy???

Question

My son turned 9 on the 26th of this month, his party is on Saturday the 30th, so his friends could come. He only has about 4 really close friends, so I thought an "in house camp out" would be cool. we are ordering Pizzas, and have snacks and decorations covered, but I am so lost on the games, and I want them to stay busy the whole time they are here. Does anyone think that having them over night is a bad thing to do? Am I getting in over my head? He has never had friends overnight before. I want this to be extra special because in the past we always did the "Family Birthday" where we took him to dinner, went home, invited some family, had cake and opened presents, this time he wants a real party. My daughter had a huge sleepover for her 10th B-day, but they did makeup all night....He is getting a GameCube from Dad and I, and 10 Games, so I thought that would keep them busy more in the evening time when it's time to chill out......please help. Thank You

Answer 1

First and foremost -- most boys are usually super-easy to please.  They don't go for all the details like most girls.  So -- relax!  I can tell you're stressed about this!  And you want to be able to enjoy the process and the party just as much as you want your son to enjoy it, right?  He will feel the vibes of you stressing and not only learn how to stress, but also will probably then not enjoy the party as much... either because you're stressed or because he learns: "This party may be boring.  And it'll be my mom's fault if/when it is (because that's the message you're inadvertantly sending)."

Try asking your son what he wants, maybe giving him a couple of options within your budget ("Son, you can watch a movie after snacks and cake and presents, or you can play games").  If he says, "uh... I don't know," tell him that you need him to choose one of the options.  If he says, "Can I do something else instead?"  just decide whether it is something you're comfortable with.  If it's something much simpler than what you had in mind (like going swimming or playing in his room with his friends) and you're afraid it won't be good enough, the best thing to do is -- go with his request!  It'll make things much easier for you!

No matter what, don't feel guilty at all for A) putting a movie on and putting your feet up, or B) deciding that your son needs to decide what they can/should do with their time (with adult approval).  Kids that age are creative enough to come up with a whole list of ideas.  

Answer 2

wow.. u sure are a good parent.. =) My parents didn't used to plan like that.. my Dad didn't even greet my at the morning of my birthday..! I was the one who reminded him..(-.-;) whew..

Well goodluck to you =)  

Answer 3

Having his friends over for the night is a great idea! And you right the game cube will keep them busy most of the night and when its time to chill out they can also do board games, watch a movie even tell spooky stories if that's thing you know your son better then any just stay calm ask him what kinds of stuff his friends like. It will work out. GOOD LUCK