Planning Your Childs Virtual Birthday Party

7 Pointers for Planning Your Childs Virtual Birthday Party 

If your little angel has a birthday coming up, they may feel crushed that their plans won’t work out exactly as imagined. However, as the coronavirus keeps us inside, social distancing has become the new norm.

That doesn’t mean your child must face utter disappointment. Why not plan for a virtual birthday party? Your little one can still enjoy camaraderie and friendship — you provide the cake and ice cream.

1. Gather the Supplies

To throw a virtual party, your kids need a way to connect. You’ll need a laptop or a gaming console, although you can make do with a smartphone in a pinch. 

Many libraries have closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, but if you can find one that’s open, even if only by appointment, you might discover devices you can rent there.

Once you have the gadget, you’ll need a way to connect. You can find free virtual meeting software or use a free trial of a professional version.

2. Keep Things Short and Sweet

You have limited patience, and so does your child. Plus, not all parents enjoy spending the entire day at a bash. Like you, they may have other obligations, too — yes, even during a quarantine.

To avoid tearful tantrums, keep parties to two hours or less if your child is under the age of 6. Older children’s parties can go a bit longer, but make sure you have ample activities planned to fill up the time. The only thing worse than one little complaining, “I’m bored” is a whole house full of them.

3. Get Things Moving 

Are your kiddos driving you crazy with their excess energy? Harness some of it! YouTube is free, so dial-up your children’s favorite jams and let them have a virtual dance-off with their friends. 

Another idea you can use if you have an inexpensive Nerf basketball hoop in the playroom is holding an online game of horse. Instead of standing exactly where their opponent sunk their last basket, give audio-visual cues, such as, “you must shoot from behind the couch.”

4. Plan Engaging Activities 

Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean you can’t engage in some fun activities with the littles and their virtual gang. A quick Google search reveals a host of free resources for homebound children during this time of social distancing. 

Take your child and their guests on a free tour of an aquarium or a science center. Find a captivating arts and crafts project they can complete independently and show off to their friends.

5. Allow for a Little Gaming

It’s a national crisis, so it’s okay if you ease off the gaming restrictions for a little bit. If your child wants nothing more than to spend 30 minutes playing World of Warcraft, let them do so on their special day. 

Take care to supervise the activities, however. Many games feature online chats, and users can connect virtually with anybody — including dangerous individuals.

6. Make the Birthday Honoree Feel Special 

Connecting virtually can feel rewarding, but if your child communicates this way throughout the coronavirus social distancing period, they might not feel very unique. Make their special day by getting out the decor, and yes, anointing them with a hat or silly costume. 

Many food delivery services continue to operate, and local businesses desperately need patronage until financial assistance arrives from the government. Order DoorDash  from your favorite local pizzeria and tip the driver extra-well. Make sure to wash your hands before you eat.

7. Supervise, but Also Enjoy

While you want to keep an eye on the festivities, you put a lot of work into planning your child’s virtual party. Make sure to give yourself time to relax and join in the fun, too. 

Participate in the dance-off or pick up a remote for the game console. If you have more than one device, you don’t want to hog the bandwidth — but you can text with other parents to enjoy adult conversation without relying on the internet.

Make Your Child’s Day Special With a Virtual Party 

Just because social distancing is the new normal for the foreseeable future, you don’t have to disappoint your birthday boy or girl. Throw them a virtual party, and watch their eyes shine with excitement.

About The Author

Dylan Bartlett writes about a variety of topics on his site, Just a Regular Guide. Check it out for more info on home improvement, DIY projects and remodeling apps. Follow him on Twitter @theregularguide for frequent updates!