Summer is here and your tweens' volume control is stuck on high. You're having a family celebration. They're happy. They're running and screaming. They're having the time of their lives. It's easy for their behavior to take a nose dive. Believe me, I've been there. First with the kids, now with the grandkids. How do you get hyped up tweens to behave at summer parties?
First of all, you relax. Tweens will always make a lot of noise. Get used to it. It's their job. You wouldn't want them to lose their job, would you? Seriously, though, as long as tweens aren't being completely obnoxious or behaving badly, let them celebrate as they wish. They have to wear out eventually. If you're lucky, they'll fall asleep in the afternoon so you can have some much needed rest.
If you want tweens to behave at summer parties, invite their friends. What's more dull for tweens than a party with no people their age? Not much. Summer celebrations are boring for lone tweens. Boredom leads to misbehavior. Be sure to invite kids' friends to your summer parties so they have someone to spend time with.
Tweens behave better at summer celebrations when they're entertained. Consider kids when you plan your summer barbecue or backyard get-together. Organize some activities that will appeal to younger people. Make sure some of those activities give them an opportunity to run off excess energy.
Here's a few old fashioned ideas to get the party started for tweens:
*Races (sack races, three legged races, relay races)
*Contests (watermelon seed spitting, talent show)
*Games (red rover, red light / green light, simon says, charades)
Note - Think your tweens won't like these old time ideas? Let them help plan the party. They can think up their own.
Tweens can entertain themselves too. Make sure you provide plenty of opportunity for them to do just that. Have summer toys on hand to keep them occupied and happy. They'll be much less likely to misbehave. Don't forget to point out things for them to do. Some tweens are too shy (or too polite) to just jump in and start using the entertainment you've provided.
Have these things on hand for tweens at summer celebrations:
*Splash pool or slip and slide
*Badminton / Volleyball equipment
*Karaoke Machine / Music for dancing
*Balls and other sports equipment
*A pinata
*Simple hand-made carnival games (with or without prizes)
Note - Don't forget, adults can misbehave too. Why not let them join in some of the kids' games to make your summer celebration fun for everyone?
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