by Barb Hopkins

Created on: December 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 27, 2009

Planning a birthday party for your middle school child can be a tricky task. Middle school is that awkward time in the lives of young teens where they seem to be caught between childhood and young adulthood. Middle schoolers tend to focus solely on impressing their peers and are quick to dismiss any parental ideas in regards to planning a cool birthday party.

Planning a fantastic birthday party for your middle school child does not have to be a battle of wills between you and your child. By following a few simple guidelines, you and your child will plan together a birthday party that will not only be memorable, but the party all your child's friends will talk (or text) about for weeks after the last crumb of cake has been eaten.

* Set Expectations.

Determine and make clear what you expect from your child when planning the party and what your child expects from you. Your middle school child is capable of being responsible for several areas of the party planning, especially with your supervision.

* Set a Budget.

By middle school, your child should have an awareness of how much items cost. To help illustrate the cost of decorations, party foods, or even party places, take a quick jaunt around the internet. This will allow you to show your child how much these items cost in your area. Let your child know how much you will spend on the party and stick to it.

* Start Planning Early.

Planning a middle school birthday party should start about three months in advance. Several key decisions must be made before detailed plans can be put into place.

* Listen, Really, Listen to Each Other.

Communication is an extremely important part of our relationships with our children. If we do not take the time to listen to their likes, dislikes, and opinions, the party planning will grind to a halt and we will find ourselves in the midst of teen angst, which is never pleasant.

We all know that children of this age have very specific opinions on everything. Working together, you will need to make a few basic decisions.

1. How many guests to invite? Same sex, or coed?

2. Where to have the party? Will your home work or do you need a larger area?

3. What day and time will the party be?

4. Will there be a theme? Certain themes like roller-skating or bowling will determine that the party will not be held at home.

5. Should the guests bring gifts?

6. Will this just be friends or are you including your family members too?

7. What will the menu be? Again, certain themes will determine the food.

* Establish

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