9588

Big Sis Big Bro

October 2004

Christie in Yorba Linda, CA

Honorable Mention

Big Sister/Big Brother Party  We had a surprise party for my 4 yr old daughter to celebrate her becoming a big sister.  It was a day that focused on her (and NOT the new baby!)!  The point of the party was simply to have a fun day she could spend with her friends.  We had a close family friend who came just to take care of the new baby ~ so we could focus all of our attention on our daughter (who wasn't used to sharing our attention).  The party was held when the new baby was 6 weeks old, but I think sooner would have been better for my daughter (but maybe not for me).  Although we had it as a surprise party, it could just as easily be a regular party.  Decorations were balloons and we only had chips/dip, veges, fruit and cake-so it was easy on us.  On the invitations I asked for no "store-bought gifts" becasue I didn't want anyone to feel they had to bring a gift (most had already given her something when they came to see the baby).  However, there was some confusion with this, so in retrospect it would have been better to say "gifts not necessary" or "no gifts please".  Her friends showed up a little early and found good hiding places while my daughter played with another friend down the street.  At the appropriate time, this friend (and her mom) walked my daughter home---right into "SURPRISE" and friends popping out from behind sofas and chairs...    For the activities we had "Pass the baby" to nursery rhymes (this is the same as hot potato with a doll.  Whoever is holding the baby when the music stops is out and if anyone drops/throws the "baby" they are also out.  I also arranged a scavenger hunt for baby items.  The kids were broken into two teams with a mother leading each team.  They had to search the backyard for all the items on their list (ie bib, pacifier, diaper, onesie...).  Each team collected their items in a diaper backpack (given to us by the hospital).  We also had a stroller relay race - two teams racing w/ baby dolls strapped in stollers.  The kids went swimming and played on the swingset.  They decorated foam visors with foam pieces.    When they were done, we had cake and sang to the new big sister.  The cake (from Costco) had flowers and a sun and read "Congratulations Big Sister Allison."  We put some candles in the cake so she could blow them out and we all sang "You're a big sister now, You're a big sister now, Congratulations dear Allison, You're a big sister now" to the tune of Happy Birthday.  It was absolutely perfect!  Having a friend/family member take care of the baby was a HUGE help and really made my daughter happy.  She had such an amazing time with her friends and felt "special" which, despite our best efforts, was something she hadn't been feeling much since her baby sister had arrived.    Other ideas for activities:   Dress a doll relay,  Trace each child w/sidewalk chalk – then inside their “body” – draw a baby (trace a doll) about the size they were when they were born;   “Mother may I?”substitute with sister/bother   Bottle race: drink apple juice/water… from baby bottle (use freebie bottles)  Count the m&m’sPut m&m’s or jelly beans, etc in baby bottle and guess how many (for older kids I think)  Feed the babyFeed each other baby food (or pudding…) – Try to be the cleanest or fastest  Possible crafts/activities If you have older kids, you could buy a pack of onesies, burp cloths (cloth diapers), or bibs and allow the kids to decorate them with fabric paint   Make sugar cookies for kids to take home.  Have dough already prepared and each child gets a small ball of dough (enough for about 3-6 cookies) and set out baby themed shapes for kids to cut out and decorate (with sprinkles – or icing if you are really daring)  Good luck and I hope this idea catches on because it was something really special!!!! substitute with sister/bother  Bottle race: drink apple juice/water… from baby bottle (use freebie bottles)  Count the m&m’sPut m&m’s or jelly beans, etc in baby bottle and guess how many (for older kids I think)  Feed the babyFeed each other baby food (or pudding…) – Try to be the cleanest or fastest  Possible crafts/activities If you have older kids, you could buy a pack of onesies, burp cloths (cloth diapers), or bibs and allow the kids to decorate them with fabric paint   Make sugar cookies for kids to take home.  Have dough already prepared and each child gets a small ball of dough (enough for about 3-6 cookies) and set out baby themed shapes for kids to cut out and decorate (with sprinkles – or icing if you are really daring)  Good luck and I hope this idea catches on because it was something really special!!!!

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