Organised party games will ensure that your child's party goes with a swing, but they'll need some careful planning.

• If you have a party theme (e.g. dinosaurs, princesses, super-heroes) adapt the party games to the theme. You could try, for example 'pin the tail on the dinosaur' (rather than donkey) or change ':Duck, Duck, Goose' to 'Princess, Princess, Knight'.

• Be adaptable. Some games won't work very well. If you detect signs of boredom and restlessness,  move on, don't persist on carrying on with your plan to the bitter end.

• Be organised, and ensure that you have all the games ready before the children arrive. You're going to be the arbiter, so make sure you understand all the rules.

• Don't let things get too competitive. Very young children haven't learnt to be good sports, and may be very sore losers, especially if they see a desirable present disappearing from their grasp.
  
  You could consider giving all the children 'prizes' just for participating, rather than singling out a lucky prize-winner after every game, which may leave some of the children feeling repeatedly left out.

See Miss Debrett on Children's Parties

Click the links below for an array of party games:

Duck, Duck, Goose

Chinese Whispers

Hats and Shoes

Keep the Balloon in the Air

Find the Ticking Clock

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Three Blind Mice

Desert Islands

Squeak, Piggy, Squeak

Crossing a Valley

Who am I?

What am I?

Pass the Balloon

Simon Says

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