Invitations

• Set up the birthday party for success by inviting everyone in the child's class or group at school. Not inviting everyone the child interacts with at school is a mistake, leaving kids left out with hurt feelings. If necessary, spend time discussing with the child throwing the party why inviting everyone is important and leaving some kids out is unacceptable.
  
  

Positive Interaction

• Children behave by example. Create a way for the child throwing the party to interact with all her guests, making them feel appreciated for coming to the party. Scholastic.com suggests having the party child greet each attendee or hand out a special thank-you gift to each child at the end of the party. If the child plans on opening gifts at the party, remind her to thank friends for each gift and spend a moment saying something nice to each attendee.
  
  

Fun Activities

• Keep kids active, which won't allow the opportunity for complaints or bad behaviors. Plan activities that all children can participate in so clusters of kids won't break off and spend time in small groups. Provide engaging and competitive games, finding ways to make everyone a winner. Pass out prizes when one child wins and then move on to the next activity, giving everyone a chance to win a prize and a moment in the spotlight.
  
  

Problem Child

• When a child poses a challenge, try to engage her as much as possible in the party. Have a heart-to-heart with the child, explaining that her behavior isn't acceptable and if she would like to stay, she must change her attitude. Scholastic.com suggests it's okay to tell the child her parent may be called if she continues to misbehave.
  
  

Talking about Behavior

• Before your child attends a birthday party, discuss proper etiquette. Family.com suggests reminding your child that he should not put feet on furniture, should offer to help, say "please" and "thank you," and make an effort to participate in the activities and be friendly to others. See that he arrives on time to the party and brings an acceptable gift with a card that he's signed.