Are you inviting your child's friends to your home for a party? Good idea, because at home everything feels familiar and children are quickly at ease. But with such a home match, you do risk overlooking some dangers. Thanks to these tips, you will enjoy a safe children's party.
What festive activities suit the children?
Activities that are 100% age-appropriate children find the most fun AND help you keep the party safe. After brainstorming with yourself, don't get beyond a musical outfit or some board games? Not to worry: for active ravers, you will find hundreds of game ideas at Chiro or Scouts en Gidsen Vlaanderen.
Just a few tips to entertain a gang of partying kids:
For preschoolers
Painting with watercolour on thick cardboard: little mess, no toxic paint needed.
Sensory play corners, such as trays of dry rice or pasta in which they can dig with small toys.
Baking biscuits: choose a simple recipe and weigh out all the ingredients beforehand. Children love to mix, knead and make fun shapes themselves. Of course, it's better to keep them away from the oven.
For children aged 7-9
Scavenger hunt with simple riddles. Clearly indicate the boundaries within which everything takes place, so no one falls down the stairs or ends up in the pond.
Craft with rubber, wool or felt, in a theme the birthday boy chooses.
Hot weather? Water games will keep you busy for hours.
For children aged 10-11
A mini-workshop in a theme that suits your child: baking and decorating cupcakes, making figures with quick-drying clay, origami.
Board games that encourage cooperation.
Combining outdoor play with crafts? One address: Natuurpunt.
What will be on the table at your children's party?
Festive snacks and drinks cannot be missing, but adapt these too to the age of the guests. With toddlers, for example, it is better to choose soft foods such as cakes and soft fruit than treats they can choke on (e.g. nuts, hard candy, raw carrots). For the same reason, it is best to let children sit down quietly while eating.
Do the children coming to the party have any allergies? Then you would like to know in advance. Ask the parents about it so you can provide food that everyone can enjoy.
Make your home childproof in every detail
That expensive vase that once belonged to your grandmother is better stored away during a children's party. You had probably thought of that. But when you have lots of children over who don't know your house and garden, it's best to pay attention to these things too:
Where are children better off not entering? Put a gate or a playful 'enter at your own risk' sign in front of the stairs, kitchen or garage door, for example.
Close windows and balconies: curious children soon get too close to the edge.
Beware of loose doormats or carpets: they can easily shift and cause tripping hazards.
Be careful with cords: children can pull on them or get stuck, resulting in falls or damage.
Lock cupboards containing medicines, cleaning products, dangerous handling equipment ....
Involve other adults in the children's party
When you organise a party for your child at home, it is obvious that you should take responsibility. But who says you have to do everything by yourself? Invite a grandpa, aunt or friend to keep an eye on things with you. Or maybe the parents of the children present would like to stay?
Having an extra adult around is a lot cozier for you, too. Besides, the more adults there are, the more risks and mischief you can get ahead of.
Be prepared for accidents and minor damage
An accident is in a small corner, and children are sometimes unpredictable. A mirror breaking, a tear in someone's trousers, a scratch on a piece of furniture ... all that happens quickly.
Fortunately, through your home policy and your family insurance policy , you are already covered for most of the minor accidents that can occur during such a children's party. Nevertheless, it is useful to check this with your KBC insurance agent every year.
Are there any exceptions or restrictions?
Do you need additional coverage for larger groups or special activities?
What about your liability if a child injures himself at your home?
A quick check prevents surprises and ensures you are protected in case of unexpected damage or injury.
Save yourself those worries and contact us for an update of your insurance policies.
The insurances from this article
These products are named in this article. Any questions? We will be happy to advise you.
Personal Liability Insurance
Are you or a family member responsible for damage due to error or negligence to someone who can claim compensation? Personal Liability Insurance will protect you and your family, making it an indispensable part of anyone’s insurance portfolio.
Fire
Fire insurance or home insurance protects you against the financial risks in the event of damage to your home and household effects. Our home insurance policy covers much more than just fire damage.