Help-- Children in my home!-Update: Success!

I am having a barbeque on Monday, and there will be 3 children coming: 3,4, and 7.

I have only ever had one child at a timeover, and when they were babies or toddlers.

I don't have a lot of space, but it should be nice enough to stay outside.

I am freaking out a little, b/c I don't have a child -freindly home. No toys, I don't shop for food with kids in mind, etc.

Is there anything you do differently when you are having kids over? I am serving chicken & burgers. One of the moms is going to bring something that her kids will definitely eat, so that will make it a little easier.

What else do I need to buy? Juice?

I don't have any kid sized chairs, but I may put a picnic blanket out for the kids

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UPDATE:
Thanks for the help! It went well. The 3 year old was a little shy when he first came, but they arrived at the same time as the other family, and the kids were excited to see each other, so they pretty much immediately sat down on the floor to play with their action figure.

They brought them outside, and also had a football and a remote control car.

We didn't end up buying chalk or bubbles or anything.

The strawberries were a big hit.

The only moment that made me a little nervous, was when they were on the
(beige) couch with shoes on, but I didn't freak out & there are no stains.

My friend who brought mac & cheese for the kids is a genius!

Message edited 9/3/2012 9:54:33 PM.

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

Don't go crazy! I would pick up juice boxes but really I would leave it at that. Since you have a mom bringing kid friendly food I would just ask her for input and see if she can bring enough for three.... Most mom's will bring stuff to keep the kids occupied! They realize you are not a mom and will pack appropriately.

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

Thanks. The mom bringing food, is the mom of 2 of the kids, and they know the 3rd one & know he will be there, so I think it will be enough. I also don't think the 3rd kid is as picky.

I haven't shopped for juice boxes in about 25 years!

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

I always have a few juice boxes in my house for my niece and nephews if my sister pops over with them

We have a small blow up pool for the back yard for the kids to play in. Keeps them busy!

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

We had a backyard party recently and though I stocked up on juice boxes, I didn't really *think* of toys. I just kind of thought that the kids' parents would bring toys, but they didn't.

Luckily, I had a box of multicolored chalk, and most of our yard is cement so they went to town and doodled up our yard!

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

Ooh-chalk --good idea. I live in a co-op, and have a small patio & front yard, which is bored on 2 sides by sidewalk. Neighbor kids play with chalk & people complained ( someone said it was akin to grafitti ), but I think it is fine if I wash it away when they leave. We may have a flat plaground ball somewhere that DH can blowup.

I actually have a Vegie Tales coolring book & crayons that my goofy friend sent me when I was sick & out of work for awhile, but I don't think these kids will sit still that long.

I actually just spoke to one of the dads & his kids don't drink juice. Since it is only 3 kids, I will check with the other family.

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

Don't go crazy. If you have anything breakable, computer, ipad, phone, chotchkies put them away so little hands don't get to them. If you have something that is extremely important to you, put it away.

I would get grapes or strawberries as those are usually big hits with kids. I would also get a pack of juice boxes (fruit punch or apple juice). Have napkins and some lysol wipes handy for easy clean up.

If you want, I would get a small box of crayons and some paper, bubbles, or chalk to keep the kids busy but that is not necessary at all. If you want to be really nice, set your DVR to tape phineas and ferb (a fun show for adults too).

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

My son is 4 and loves bubbles and chalk - cheap and easy to keep in the house. I would say just get juice and maybe water bottles and an extra half gallon of milk. Maybe get some goldfish or pretzels, a "party" snack the kids will eat. If the kids are picky eaters, the mom will probably bring stuff - that's what I do.

Don't sweat the chairs. The 4 and 7 year old can probably sit in regular chairs and the little one can sit on a lap or the blanket.

Message edited 8/30/2012 3:52:07 PM.

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

Juice and maybe ice pops...but that's about it.

They will bring their own toys, I am sure!

Re: Help-- Children in my home!

I have an extremely un childfriendly apt, i always think i put everything away but needless to say they manage to break something i never think to put away, i mean how much stuff can i put away? Every fridge magnet i have is like playland and my av equipment? Plants? You get my point.

I strongly like (not love!!) my friends' kids but loathe when they come over (which is obviously not often).

I agree with everyone don't get toys, get some juice and nuggets and leave it at that. Give us an update when the dust settles