Weddings are fantastic occasions. Most of us love attending these events. They are a chance to dress up, catch up with friends and enjoy a fantastic meal in a beautiful location. There really is something special about seeing two people confirm their love and commit to each other.
Kids love weddings too, but they do have a tendency to get bored, and when that happens there is the risk that they start to misbehave. If you are a single parent, keeping track of your little one(s) at a big event like a wedding is not easy. After all, you only have one pair of eyes, so your son or daughter can easily slip away and potentially get into trouble.
However, you can reduce the chances of that happening by following some of the tips below.
Prepare your child for the event
If your son or daughter has never been to a wedding, sitting down with them and telling them what the day will be like in advance is a good idea. That way they will know what to expect and be better prepared.
Explaining to them in advance that they need to sit still, be patient and respectful during the service will save your being glared at as you try to explain this in hushed tones on the day. In the run up to the wedding, make it clear to them that the wedding is a special day for the couple. Explain that they need to be good so they do not upset anyone and spoil that day. Most children understand and will double their efforts to behave. Reminding them of this on the day is always a good idea.
Get your children involved
Try to get your little ones involved, and give them a responsibility on the day. It could be checking that Great Auntie Mary does not need anything from the buffet, or taking photos for your family album or some other small task. Giving your children a little responsibility helps them to feel grown up and, therefore, behave better.
Give your child an important task
If you are lucky, children will be well catered for at the wedding. For example, at Heaton House farm in the North West of the UK there is acres of outdoor space for guests to enjoy. They encourage couples that use their venue to hire entertainers and to set up a bouncy castle in the grounds. This keeps the kids (and many adults) happy and helps to break up the day.
Check on them regularly
Provided your child is relatively well behaved, you can let them have the freedom to play. But, make sure that you check what they are doing regularly. If they are getting too excited, sit them down for a few minutes with a book or game to give them the chance to calm down. If they are still young, take them to a quiet corner for a nap to recharge their batteries.
Steer them away from the sugar
We all tend to eat too much of the wrong thing at weddings. That is part of the fun, but if sugar makes your kids hyperactive be careful to keep the amount they eat to a minimum.
Ideas for the host
Why not suggest that they should hire a photo booth from Omg Entertainments for the special occasion? This would keep the kids occupied for hours and create lifelong memories.If you have been asked to help organise the entertainment for the kid’s at a friend’s wedding this article contains some fantastic ideas.
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