[Singlemom619]

Okay... So I'm having a hard enough time throwing this adoption party because I feel like I'm throwing a party for myself and that's very odd (mom says no I'm throwing a party for my son.)

Anyway. Here is my problem. What the heck do the people do?! My son is 8 and doesn't want his friends to know he's adopted - so there will be 2 girls there that are friends of the family that are 5 and 6 years old. And they're the only kids.

Otherwise we have social workers, case workers, family, and adult friends coming to our party. What in the world do adults do at parties? It's going to be at about 2 PM on a Saturday afternoon. I was going to go buy snacks and foods at Costco - debated getting alcohol or not. My friends would drink it (not get drunk) but I don't think anyone else would. And there will be streamers and such.

I came up with ONE game of a questionaire to see who knows my son the best (favorite color, favorite tv show ect) and then they get a prize... I have no idea what prize. I also thought of having people writing down a memory of my son and I could put them into his scrapbook....

But from that point on I'm lost. It's going to happen in a recreation/meeting room - which has one huge table (for food) 2 couches, a coffee table, and a couple chairs. There's a patio outside with a picnic table and a small kitchen area. There's a pool but it's too cold to go in.

SO please please please please throw ideas at me - what in the world do I have people DO while they're here celebrating besides stare at the wall and wish they could leave already???

[rose524]

I don't have any real party suggestions - just curious to know if your son is on board with the party concept. You mentioned briefly in your post that he didn't want his friends to know he's adopted. Just wanted to be sure he's cool with the party idea.

Anyway, have a good time!

[Singlemom619]

Yes my son wants the party - he's been talking about it for months. He is thrilled to be adopted and he's already been telling people his last name changed. Thanks for your concern about his wants - but yes he wants it.

Wanting to celebrate and not wanting his friends to know are two totally different things.

[marvin's mom]

Hi,
Have you thought about going some place besides staying home to celebrate? Perhaps go to Chuckie Cheese, or perhaps a theme park, go-cart/game room place. Just some place where the entertainment is provided, and all your guests have to do is enjoy the activities provided and enjoyable time with you and your son. Just a thought.
Jill

[claschober]

For my boy's finalization party we will be going to a place that is similar to Chuck E. Cheese as it has some kids games but it also has adult games as well. My boys are younger than your son so the majority of people at their party will also be adults. I figure this place will work out best to entertain the kids and adults.

Your time of your party works well for serving snacks and I think that most people that are going to the party are going to show their support and love not only for you but for your son. I would not worry too much about entertaining them. I think your ideas so far are great. Will your son be getting gifts as well? Opening gifts and having cake will also take up time as well.

Good luck and congratulations!!! Let us know how it goes!!

[ALI143]

You could still use the pool for the kids to play games. Such as float inflatable swimming rings and they can try throwing beach balls into the rings. I like the writing notes for the scrap book idea. I've also seen a fmom get a hard-back children's story and have people write messages on the inside covers-that was very sweet. I like getting a jump house for my parties. If my food and drinks are cheap enough then all I have to spend is the $150.00 for an afternoon jump house rental and the kids can be active and busy. You could let the kids (they'll be enough adult supervision) roast their own hotdogs and marshmellows over a small bar-b-quer. Or set out lots of different colors of frosting, different candies and sprikles and plain cupcakes and let people make their own dessert. No matter what it always happens that the kids will really be the entertainment and they are fortunately great at entertaining themselves.

[WhoKnew]

I think you and the other posters have some good party ideas. Remeber that a lot of the time adults just enjoy chatting at parties.

I was surprised that your son's friends don't know he is adopted. Does he want I know kids don't like to be 'different, but you may want to reassure him that there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about being adopted.

Congratulations, and have a great party!

[Mel in NEPA]

I would agree with WhoKnew. I think ppl just like to munch, chat and visit at parties. I don't think you need to organize everything. Maybe a couple of games for the kids, standards you know, like maybe a pinata or something? The most important thing is to enjoy this time.

When we are finished with our adoptions I hope to have our boys dedicated at church, and then have some cake and coffee afterwards to celebrate our momentous occasion.