The key to a successful theme party is to plan ahead very carefully. Make a list of things that have to be done and bought. Keep the numbers small and the length of the party as short as you can. Two to three hours is quite enough for the guests to eat, be entertained and participate in activities. Always put the start and finishing time of the party on the invitations.

Prepare more games than you think you will need. Keep each one short and stick to games with simple rules that the children are likely to know already. Alternate quieter and energetic games and have a quiet game before the children go home.

Under-sevens cannot cope with too much competition so adapt games to make them non-competitive or fix them so that everyone has a chance to win. If you have prizes, make sure that everyone wins one.

Other tips on avoiding disasters

• Enlist other adults as helpers

• Make sure you have all the parents’ telephone numbers

• Hide away any toys your child does not want to share

• Organize visits to the toilet for everyone after tea (in the case of young party guests).

• Plan the party with your child so that he knows what is going to happen and does not have unrealistic expectations.

Have fun planning your kid’s theme party