Thinking back to family parties and holidays as a child I can’t help but recall the timeless tradition of the “kid’s table”. The kid’s table wasn’t necessarily an institution in my family; oftentimes we all mixed around one large table for holidays. However, there were several yearly events where the adults cloistered themselves off with fancy food and drink while the younger generation laughed, played and ate less sophisticated fare in the next room. While I did sometimes look longingly at the fancy adult room and aspire to one day sit with the grown ups, I have wonderful memories of the kid’s table.

It’s probably true that the adults often just wanted to be able to have a civilized dinner without endless cries of “he’s touching me” and “she’s kicking me”; however, there is some sound logic behind creating a separate space for children at gatherings.   Children and adults don’t eat or drink the same things, they don’t have the same kinds of conversations and they certainly don’t have the same activity level and attention span. Oftentimes at events when children and adults are trying to occupy the same space, the adults become frustrated by the children’s behavior and the children become frustrated by being required to behave like adults. So whenever possible in planning an event, I like to approach the presence of children with the “let them be little” philosophy.

At a gathering designed for both children and adults I like to create a separate space for the children where they can mix and mingle and play. In a perfect situation this space should be removed from, but visible to the space occupied by adults. Consider including coloring books or other activities for children, toys like hula-hoops for outdoor gatherings and child friendly favors. Set up games like bean bag tosses outside and perhaps some puzzles or board games indoors. At one event I painted large pieces of wood with chalkboard paint, propped them against the fence and set buckets of side walk chalk in between them. You’d be surprised how many adults will end up hula-hooping, bean bag tossing, and leave their own artwork behind!

It’s also important to consider children when you’re designing your menu for an event. If your overall menu is something that will appeal to everyone, great! If not, make sure you have a few selections like chicken fingers, hamburgers or other child friendly food in addition to the rest of your menu.   If it’s appropriate you can include child friendly snacks like goldfish, pretzels or veggies at the children’s table. However, be conscious of any food allergies or concerns of your smaller guests and only put snacks out if it’s ok for all tiny hands to reach in and grab them. One of my favorite things to make for a child friendly event is a “mocktail” bar with sparkling water, juices or lemonade and fruits  for garnish as well as fun cups and straws so children can have fancy drinks just like the adults.

While your child friendly activities and offerings may require some adult supervision, they are sure to be a hit with your smaller guests. This space will create a welcoming atmosphere for all ages which will dazzle children and grown ups  alike.