Friday, December 08, 2006
The Annual Christmas Party...
This Sunday is the annual Christmas Party for my child care children and families. This is the one event that all the families look forward to all year long... We get together (I rented the school gym this year), enjoy an elaborate spread of appetizers that my husband prepares, have some fun games and break a pinata or two, kids all exchange gifts (they draw names), and then get a visit from Santa. Both parents and children have a great time. This is the one thing that is most often commented on by people who have graduated from my child care. Often years later they will comment about how much they miss coming to the annual "Kidsville Christmas" party.
We usually prepare an elaborate spread, but it doesn't have to be an expensive affair... even a potluck meal can be a lot of fun. The whole idea is to get the families to spend some time together and get to know each other. It builds a great sense of community and gives parents a chance to share thoughts and concerns. It is also a great indoctrination for new families that may have joined during the year to begin to feel that they fit in with people who have been in my home for several years.
Think about opportunities like this to build support and camaraderie among your clients. The children often become like family in your care and the parents should be involved with each other as well. It is a great way to promote your child care and a gathering that they are sure to talk about for some time to come...
Have a party, have some fun!
I'll let you know how everything went... maybe even post some pictures.
