| Still dishing out the same old party themes for your | | | | If your tween loves to rock, she or he will be inviting |
| kids? How about the "tween" in the family? For the | | | | like-minded friends. Host a rock party they won't |
| next birthday, make the party most memorable for | | | | forget. A '70s disco-themed party is a novel |
| your 12-year-old. These party ideas will set you apart | | | | experience for the young ones. Clear the living room, |
| as the coolest mom and dad in the block. | | | | install a disco globe, and get dance music they'll rock to. |
| Party Uppers | | | | To make it more authentic, hire a neighborhood DJ |
| Children ages 9 to 12 are at an awkward age, but give | | | | who can do the spinning. Be sure to keep a |
| them a fun party and they'll lap it up. Since they are not | | | | bottomless supply of the kids' favorite eats, drinks, and |
| official teenagers and no longer the little ones, giving | | | | munchies. |
| them a party they can enjoy can tax your imagination | | | | A beach party theme is also a welcome idea, whether |
| and stamina. These tween party ideas will give your | | | | you have a pool or not. Decorate the party venue with |
| tween star status in the neighborhood. | | | | shell wired garlands, paper balls, mock palm trees, and |
| Let the tween in you help you along these party ideas. | | | | surfboards. Prepare more than a dozen rubber |
| If you've decided to host a Safari Sleepover, schedule | | | | slippers. Use colorful fish platters to serve your beach |
| it on a Friday night. The timing is right. The kids can | | | | fare. Ask the guests to come in their favorite beach |
| catch some extra zzzs after a night of fun. But be | | | | bum attire. If you have a pool, make sure that a |
| sure to announce that the pick-up time for the kids is | | | | lifeguard is around to watch over the kids. |
| at 10 the following day. | | | | Before the Party |
| An outdoor sleepover is a good idea, but for the kids' | | | | Schedule the party on a weekend before the actual |
| safety, have the tents installed indoors. Put up a | | | | birthday. Get invitations to go with the party theme. A |
| hotdog and harshmallow grill, but don't forget to add a | | | | pillow invitation for a sleep over, a papier mache conch |
| salad and animal-shaped sandwiches. Fill GI canteens | | | | shell for the beach party, and a map invitation for the |
| with juice and distribute them among the guests. Let | | | | safari or treasure hunt party. Shop for party favors |
| them whoop it up in the lawn - dancing and organized | | | | and ask your tween for the type of music he or she |
| games - until you announce that it's bedtime. Girls | | | | wants for the party. To make your shopping a |
| should be separated from boys if it's a mixed party. | | | | convenient jaunt, have your money organized in one of |
| A tween party idea young girls enjoy is the "pajama | | | | those money clip wallets, and bring along the list of |
| dress-up" party. The girls can bring along their blings. | | | | things you must buy for the party. |
| Let them have a go at putting up makeup and do | | | | Call up the parents and ask for any restrictions on |
| other girly things they all want to do - fix their hair, paint | | | | movies to watch and any food allergies to avoid |
| their nail with fun colors, and do a pajama fashion | | | | potential problems. To help you out, ask the neighbors' |
| show. Of course, expect the girls to stay up late | | | | tweens to come over. They'll enjoy the party too. If |
| watching videos, swapping ghost stories, and doing just | | | | you have smaller kids, let them have a guest or two |
| about anything. Girls are wont to do that when they | | | | so they won't feel left out of the fun. |
| are together. | | | | |