Do you have a fool-proof format for running kids parties

[sarahc]

have done quite a few nail art type parties over last few months, which i have enjoyed but have sometimes been quite stressful and im always learning from each one and tweeking it in places to try and improve - but last night was a complete nightmare - 2 additional girls turned up than agreed, they were gabbing and comparing each others outfits for about 20 mins which meant the treatment started late, they sat in the middle of the floor opening pressies when i was trying to fill up foot bowls, had to work around them with my jugs of water - the mum seemed to have no control over the proceedings at all - think she expected me to do all the organising - i have never encountered this before, as far as im concerned im there to provide a beauty or nail service not organise the girls - i also mentioned to the mum when we spoke on the phone it might be a good idea to make buffet/finger foods so they could pick as we went along .. but no, pizza delivery guy turned up half way through delaying proceedings again, then we had a mini drama when one of the girls dropped pizza on her white dress, it was just stop, start, stop, start - im wondering if i should perhaps arrive and set up after the girls have arrived or even better eaten rather than wait for their arrival .. what do those of you who do these type of parties do - hoping this was a one off .. they were little madams to say the least - would love to see a breakdown how you usually run your parties .. see if i could improve things somehow or save on time - ive only just started to do pedicures with individual bowls, they love it .. but a real hassle filling them up, and then having to empty - do you think it would be reasonable for me to ask the mum to empty the bowls for me? really want to keep this particular party of the party as the girls do love it and it makes for great photos etc .. plus have just spent a small fortune on fluffy pink towels lol
many thanks

 

[Emily S]

I think this may be a one off for you, the few parties I've done have all had finger foods and they've eaten whilst others are being pampered.

As for the Mother emptying the bowls, I personally don't think that would be fair - she should be able to sit back and relax whilst you provide the party, the same as if a clown came to entertain but asked you to blow the balloon dogs up, or play the limbo with them etc.. but maybe that's just me

 

[rachirv]

I agree with emily S. You can't really expect the mum to empty your bowls for you. If she was coming for a treatment in your salon, you wouldn't ask her to pop and empty your bowls. It's your job and it's what you are been paid for. Sorry if that sounded a little harsh,I didn't mean it to be, but I just think that if your going to do childrens parties, then you have to be prepared for the way they are. Children are children at the end of the day. Yes, I know that thats no excuse for unruley behaviour, or been naughty etc, but, from what you said, it just sounds like they were been kids, rather than been naughty.
You could maybe do your set up in a different room, if available, and get the kids to stay in the other room and eat whilst you are setting up? then it leaves them to mess aroun with food and pressies etc, and leaving you time on your own too, to get set up, with out them running havoc around you.
I also think that since it is at their home, you cant really say what food they can have. If the parties are at yor salon, then fair enough, as I wouldnt want hot smelly pizza etc in my salon, but if its at their home then I suposse you just have to really get on with it and remember you are getting paid. I know its hard to do this because kids can really wind you up, but just try and get on.
Gosh I sound like i've done nothing but moan here, I hope i haven't sounded nasty.
hugs xxx

 

[RedAdmiral]

Conveyer-belt style
Arrive early, set up area before kids arrive, food area1, feet area2, nails area3, make-up area4 - general area for games/dancing. You need to set up a table with water and products that the children can NOT touch.

I used to have photo book's so they could choose designs whilst they were waiting, the birthday girl goes first or last.
We used to do nail paints (hands & feet), glitter make up and airbrush tattoo's, so they had lots of designs to choose from.

At the beginning I would set the tone and be in charge, introduce yourself and about what you do, tell them that you want everyone to be happy and have what they want and that you have lots and lots of designs to choose from but you must work quickly and safely. Explain that they cannot touch anything on your table and that they must share the photo books and be patient as everyone will have their turn (sounds school teacher-ish but different ages need this)
Tell them: Pick your food then come over and sit down (with plate), pedicure, go wash hands, play/dance/party games until rest of parties toes are done, manicures, play/dance/party games, make-up, play/dance/games....

Be firm with Mum and kids; if it is spiralling out of control, grab the girls who arent and do them with amazing art - remember not all of them will be into it. As for pizza delivery why did they ALL need to stop for food?

Oh and the water situation does not sound safe - invest in a thermo pot (usually used for dispensing coffee at meetings). They have a 2litre capacity and keep water hot for hours. They have handles so are portable and u can have 1 hot, 1 cold and then you need only make trips to sink to empty water wthout fear a child will be scalded whilst you are not n room.

HTH's

 

[sarahc]

thanks all for your advise much appreciated

i lauhghed out loud at image of the mum blowing up doggy balloons, yes i guess you're right they're paying for a service so should empty bowls also

really great advice redadmiral about the thermo pot going to look into that and have pmd you seperately

thanks again everyone x

 

[Marilyn Monroe]

I think that you should take charge and allow mum to relax.
I start by telling them all who I am and what is going to happen. What they can and cannot touch. They are kids and need to know the rules. Then whislt I am setting up I give them all coloured pens and white label stickers so they can write their names on and decorate them. This gives me time to fill the foot spas.
Hope next time is more fun for you x