I know you talk about them on here and give good advice but I need help on a specific party, for a 10 year old girl, I've done parties for younger kids and its fun playing the games but when their ten what do they like???? I know the usual kiddies games are going to be too babyish for them so what should I do, what prizes and what music. Please help, I'm in a panic!!!!!!!!!

Cheers
Jon

Hmm I just used to do a dancing and karaoke competition, and gave spot prizes for the winners. It's usually the younger kids with less atttention span who need party games etc.

I know we have some D.J's and agents who specialise in childrens discos so maybe they could offer advice?.

Jon, firstly don't panic............ with kids I am always guided by the parents, maturity varies so much at this age, some only wanna dance cos they're 'big' . OK so dancing competitions etc etc . If parents say that she is not so mature then normal kids games statues, bumps, etc will be fine. I personally never supply prizes, I let parents do that as they know the kids attending, and then its coming out of their pocket!! also another thread round here somewhere said cheesy, Steps S club, timewarp, macarena etc will still be ok, and I'd agree with that thought, I normally run for 2 hours for kids first half hour charts etc, then a game or two , takes you to food, buffet whatever, quiet background charty stuff, cake , happy birthday etc , another game or action songs Macarena etc to last half hour anything they can dance to plus 5678 etc tragedy and I normally finish on DJ otzi hey baby ! Another sucessful kiddy do !!

Hope this helps

and can't you just tell that Spin is a Father of 4!

Which is why I don't pay out of my own pocket!!! Asked daughter no 4 if she would prefer Theme park or a day out with me and mum Friday............so off we go to Romford where after buying lunch Spin finds himself £130 quid down on a 'few' clothes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See why I'm scared of Paula????

Cheers Guys

But i've allready told mum I'll supply the prizes (I usually do for kids parties), do they like sweets at this age or are they too concerned about their weight, my daughter is and she's only 5!!!

Well there is a subtle way of getting around that. Contact the parent, and say that you feel that it would be more appropriate for her to supply and hand out sweets / prizes. Sort of "Stranger-danger" thing.

When I used to do kids parties I always ensured that a parent / teacher was present to hand out the prizes - rather than accepting them from me ( i.e - A stranger)

I think a bit of tact will get you out of this!, and then you wont be responisble for the kids saying "Yuk, I don't like these" , which so often happens

Definately do a dancing comp as well as karaoke comp,
But I'd leave the prizes up to the parents to sort out

and it goes without saying that if you take all this good advice its making 'YOU' look more aware and professional which can only mean more bookings.

See now why Paula won't take sweeties from Mikeee!!

Hi y'all, found it interesting to read everyones comments with regards to kids parties. Obviously it is each to their own, but if people trust you to host a party for their children then you are in a position of trust and the parent must be happy that there children are in safe hands - especially with regard to handing out sweets. As a hired professional it is not the same scenario as accepting sweets off a stranger of the street - so please dont get into a panic that you could be conceived as a perv!
My tips for successful kids dos are always be fun! Whether the kids are 6 or 11 they will copy EVERYTHING you do if you stand in front of your decks and make up dance routines to all the songs. I reckon two hours max is the ideal time - kids boredom thresholds etc.....
I always start off my parties with laying down specific ground rules... dont come behind the decks unless asked.... do not leave the venue unless whoever is picking you up is here to collect you etc, and any obviously safety issues. As for prizes, I always take "quality" stuff - there are some brilliant warehouses where you can buy good stationery sets, filofax, pens, pencil cases etc for the price of a packet of sweets. I always explain to the kids that they shouldn't worry if they dont win a prize... the important thing is to have fun... never had a problem because a kid didnt win (however did have one stroppy mum who was adament that her ten year old should have won something just for turning up....... I explained to her that if everybody won something then they wouldnt be prizes and out of the 120 children who had attended that particular party I found it interesting that her child was the only one who was "upset" -.
Another tip is to buy loads of wigs and inflatable guitars etc and get the kids to mime as a celebrity band - they LOVE it!!
As I am getting old, I have slowed down a bit on the kids dos but at my peak was averaging 7 parties per week. If anyone ever wants to come along to watch one of mine if they are thinking of taking kids parties on, they are more than welcome.

More advice from mrs waffle-a-lot! The parents are very much in the dark as to what to expect. YOU are in control and provided that you very quickly establish a good rapport with the kids, they will be putty in your hands. One of the biggest concerns with some parents is that many DJs who are inexperienced with kids parties play totally unsuitable music - I always assure parents that I do not play "parental advisory" tracks however much I am requested to by the kids - Eminen is not suitable for kids parties and although they all love him, the parents WILL NOT THANK YOU for playing it. The last thing you want is for the parents to turn up at the end of the party and the kids are screaming the swear words in the lyrics at the top of their voices!
Also, for handling "disruptive" kids - you know that there are always going to be a few especially when they are getting on - 9-11. Get them on your side. If I feel a child is intimidating the other kids I will tell them off - but dont leave it there - as soon as you have told them off ask them if they would like to come and see how the mixer works and if they would like to cue up the next track - this works wonders - I have used this tactic on several occasions and the nastiest of kids turns into the sweetest little thing!

Buy a couple of dozen packs of "chewits", break the packs down to individual sweets. Run a game down to the last 4 or 5, stop it, and tell them they were all great and deserve a prize and throw hand fulls on to the floor, and watch them scabble around, no individual winner but everybody gets something - I'm just a big softy

I have rolls of stickers made up with the name and tel. no. of disco on it Children's parties all ocassions catered for etc. Last game before home make it an 'out' game and as every child is out they get sticker and a sweet.

1) You know which kids are in or 'out'
2) Kids love stickers and will treat it like gold dust!
3) Watch the kids gigs roll in as other parents phone up from the details on sticker!!

Lots of good advice here - the only thing I can add is get someone at the party to be the judge/referee to determine who's in/out. It saves you getting the blame (& allows you to concentate on other things).
Paul S
PS All these inputs & I'm not even a roadie yet!

QUOTE

PS All these inputs & I'm not even a roadie yet!

..... Sorted

Thanks Chris! I feel so much better now especially after Sats gig (Groom "Can I get you a drink" Me "No its OK thanks I'll stick to the iced water" Groom "Well do you want me to get one of the lads to roll you a joint!") Sort of sums up the night

A very apt reply for the kids disco topic!!!!! lol

Perhaps I'll give them out a prizes, keep them quiet.

Thanx everyone for your help!!!!

I've got another one for you. a party for a 3 year old, just took the booking!!!

HHHHEEEELLLLPPPP!!!!!

Hi JJs, just to say "big mistake" taking on a three year olds party if they are asking for a disco..... believe me you really dont want to do it! I wont do parties for kids under 6 even though I am asked to on a regular basis. Unless you are a magician, clown, or other entertainer, I would stay away.... If you dont believe me, go have a peek at your local nursery school and then decide for yourself if you think you could tackle the job! (make sure you tell the nursery teachers you are there otherwise you could get done!!)

I feel I should agree with this one actually, 3 is a bit young, I don't mind late 4's (cos they are at school down here at that age) and upwards.

Only thing I would say is bearing in mind he/she may be 3 but have older sisters/brothers friends etc............. its not so much the birthday as the age of the kids attending.

Also at that age insist parents stay, you are not a childminder and leaving you and 'mum' to deal would be a nightmare.

agreed spin, just bear in mind JJ that pre school age kids dont always understand the rules of games and working with kids you have to keep up the momentum... you cant spend ten minutes explaining a game.... etc
Also, another tip for kids parties is dont do games that exclude anyone... adapt them so that everyone stays in all the time... if you play musical statues put a twist on it, and say the statue with the scariest face.... this way you dont get upset kids because they are the first one(s) out and it keeps their interest. Another thing my clients like is that i dont give prizes for the "best"... always tell the kids that they were all brilliant but you liked so-and-so because..... that keeps everyone happy!

QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ May 15 2003, 01:54 AM)

Only thing I would say is bearing in mind he/she may be 3 but have older sisters/brothers friends etc............. its not so much the birthday as the age of the kids attending. Also at that age insist parents stay, you are not a childminder and leaving you and 'mum' to deal would be a nightmare.

As much as I agree with all the comments - I think one thing has been left out.

First and foremost, you are a DJ. But like many parents, clients, etc, they expect to be entertained - so you are now an 'entertainer' as well.

No matter what the age of the children, parents not only want to see the kids happy, but some (not all) will get involved and that can help you.

Audience / parent interaction is fun, and, the kids love it. If you look through the typical songs of today, as mentioned like 5,6,7,8 or Hot Hot Hot (great for everyone to join in) 'The Casper Slide Part II (again, great for all) and similar, you'll have no probs.

But children and 'kids functions' need to be guaged - for repetitive factors.

Even though every party is different, you can work out a simple plan that will work for all:

Firstly, if there is food - try and aim for a mid-point if possible. You can keep all the kids together for 'cutting the cake' either b4 or after food.
Work with the parents on that one. If they want to do the food after you go - fine, but at least you can 'guage' your gig.

Secondly, the younger the kids, the slower they eat! Again, it helps you guage the gig.

So in this example, you have 'two halves' to your function.

If there is no food - the kids will need refreshments. If there is a distribution point - don't be frightened of a little order! Kids love routine and enjoy a line up queue! Even suggest for the same area to return empties!

Right - the Plan

If you can get the kids / parents attention in the first 5 to 10 minutes - you're laughing all the way.
One way to do this is firstly tell the parents to sort out the drinks ready to be served in 10 minutes, because the kids are going to get excited and thirsty.

Note: warmer weather or hot venues can cause dehydration - it's not your main worry to be concerned but you don't want a reputation b4 you start....know what I mean...?! Parents can be funny.

YOU WILL NEED 2 SONGS - 1 Fast & HOT HOT HOT

Pick a fast / hard track like Voodoo & Serano's Blood is Pumping, and call ALL the kids over to the front of your system.
Praise the birthday child. Get the kids clapping and cheering for wanting a good time - use bravado if you can. (Mr Entertainer now).
Then, get them to spread out around the room, mustn't touch anyone.
Ask them to look up at the ceiling and stick their arms out by their side...

Example routine..."OK Kids - Lets WARM UP!"

A) "o.k. kids - when I say go - you have to spin on the spot - until I say Stop.....GO!"

Play the track! The kids will go mad, silly and spin.

About 15 to 20 seconds in...say
"STOP - stand on one leg and don't move!" - They can't and it's LOL all the way.

Note: Clear halls are great - but watch out for objects like tables and chairs...don't commence if a kid is near one. Use your savvey!!!

B) Whilst still playing the Voodoo Track....."OK everybody Running on the spot....RRRRUUUNN!" - and it's mad and fun. Approx 30 to 45 seconds gone on CD.

C) " O.K. now jump up and down.....JUMP, JUMP JUMP JUMP........" they all jump

D) "Now stand still and shake your hands up & Down....GET THOSE HANDS IN THE AIR"
you've probably been running for about a minute or so - the kids are now quite excited.

E) "o.k. find a partner and hold their hands...QUICK" - it's the magic words all kids love.

Keep playin the tune......"Right - get ready to spin your partner (think Cotton Eye Joe)...
"GO!".....the kids spin

F) "And it's ...CHANGE PARTNERS!" - magic words again!

Change partners 3-4 times for about a minute and then.....

G) "o.k. everybody back over here, line up 1 behind the other. Put your hands on the shoulders of the person in front of you...." Move the birthday bod to the front - use the parents. If there is a lot of kids - divide into boy girl or seperate lines.

Fade the Voodoo track - and it's "OK TIme FOR A MAD CONGA - FOLLOW THE LEADER..."

You've now got 3 minutes of kids conga - make them... "I said it was mad...everybody marching backwards........"
Then go forwards, change direction, etc. Make them roll their shoulders, lean left and right, etc.

Interaction for all ages, adults, etc. Use a bit of common for safety, and they are putty in the hands of the entertainer for 6MINUTES+!!!

You have gained the attention.

Now, everybody needs to clap and cheer for everyone warming up - "The Party has started!"
Excellent introduction.

Time for drinks - parents should be ready (never normally are!).

Line-up the kids - stick on music that's either requested or uplifting - but not too heavy.
Remember, music and games spread over 2 hours - not too much of one thing because of the repetitive factor.

Play background stuff and remind the kids to be ready for the first game that will be coming soon.

Everyone is bright, on the button and excited. Take requests while you wait for the rest to drink up. USE THE KIDS requests to entertain themselves!

There are many, many ways to start a gig. The above example is only an example.
As for games - learn from the forum and devise some of your own - it's fun!

But the key to all this is participation and a little bit of positive thinking.

If you are confident - it will shine.

You can use your DJ experience to please the ear, but a little bravado and leadership will earn you a success every time, working with kids. It can be rewarding.

I've worked with kids from all area's and backgrounds for about 12 years. You have to read the crowd like a normal function!

You may think 2 hours is a long time - but it's not!
Apart from all that - a quick tip on prizes.
If you supply - everyone want's to win. Can you provide for all? Do the sweets you supply have nut extracts that could single-out kids? Are the gift prizes age suitable?
I would suggest - to keep costs and fee's down, let the PARENTS provide.

And if there isn't any prizes but giftbags at the end....everyone gets that - use them!
Oh, and don't forget to praise the birthday bod during the whole gig!!!!!

Now, ask Spindoctor, who is very worldly and experienced, what games he played as a nipper, and to what extent those games differ to today!!!

QUOTE

Now, ask Spindoctor, who is very worldly and experienced, what games he played as a nipper, and to what extent those games differ to today!!!

You cheeky young whippersnapper me lad!!

Great start to a party actually, I'd never thought of it as a warm up but now............... well thats what this forum is all about Thanks (Oldies bowing down to youngies)

QUOTE

cheesy, Steps S club, timewarp, macarena etc

spin - i get away with playing that at 18th Birthdays!

Hot news - Steps are re-forming so some more classic cheese coming soon! They have their first rehearsal next week!

Awwww cmon! They CAN't reform!!!!

(Says he who has a CD of Deeper Shade of Blue signed by all the band) I was hoping it was gonna go up in value!!

QUOTE

Says he who has a CD of Deeper Shade of Blue signed by all the band)

That is one thing that I would NEVER admit to in public!

When I do my kids parties I always make a point of telling the kids that I am going to give away prizes but only the very lucky few will win, but dont worry if you dont - the main point is that you have fun! I have only ever encountered a problem twice with somebody not winning - and that was there mothers coming to moan about it!

Just to point out , after reading the advice given - all of it is bang on , you chaps and chapess`s know what you`re talking about !! Personally - i won`t do kids parties anymore !! i know , i sound like a old get ( i am 40 ) but .... the answer is always no !

Nice one Discodirect
Thats what this forum is all about. Experienced dj's giving ideas to other dj's.
That is a very good start to a kids party.

Although I am always happy to give advice about kids parties, one thing I would say is that if you have only ever dj'ed for adult functions DONT automatically think you will be great with kids - these parties are highly specialised and it is far more involved than chucking out a handful of sweets so the kids can have a free-for -all. You WILL be expected to be DJ and Entertainer - be expected to supervise the kids safety, know what is appropriate to play in terms of games and music, you will be expected to keep ALL the kids happy and know how to handle difficult situations - DJ-ing for kids is not easy - believe you me! You cant stop/start - you have to keep the momentum going - the only time I stop is when they sit down to eat .
Any of you mad enough to get into this (!) will at the end of the day have a great deal of fun - but be prepared for very hard work - phsyically and mentally - NEVER take the smile off you face either! Always happy to have any of you come along to experience one of my parties - if that doesnt put you off nothing will!

And I hate Kids...Whinge, Moan, Complain, so you'd never catch me entertaining the little beggers

I dunno............. your posts entertain us all day long!!!!!!!!!!!

OH My!
My annual kiddie's party is coming up soon, which i'm forced to do against my own will.

ooodddlless of screaming kids who cant read the lyrics and all wanna sing Reach and Hey baby!
Cant smoke, cant drink dare'nt turn around for 1 minute in case they knock something over and where's my usual helpers on a day out.
Hideing!

QUOTE

where's my usual helpers on a day out.

You could invite Uncle Mikeee or Uncle Spin

QUOTE

You could invite Uncle Mikeee or Uncle Spin

better still they could do it for me,

A nice outdoor venue with about 50 kids, they'd certainly come home knowing all the lyrics and actions to reach.

Start packing guy's, it's not local

QUOTE (paula @ May 21 2003, 09:40 AM)

A nice outdoor venue with about 50 kids

And what about the sun tan? (Nice to watch the discs fry!!!!!!!!!!!)

QUOTE

And what about the sun tan?

most likely to rain if on the rare occasion it's sunny most likely to get sun stroke or a stroke.

Will park myself under a gazibo

QUOTE

A nice outdoor venue with about 50 kids

Try a nice outdoor venue with 2-300 of the little beggars. I used to do one every summer 5 days on the trot for the local authority, along with 3 playbuses, 5 bouncy castles, Ice cream vans, facepainting etc. It was an (enjoyable??) nightmare!!

Best day being when I got the roadie dressed up as Jive Bunny and he arrived mid afternoon on the back of a Pink Cadillac convertible !!! Magic seeing the kids faces. (And Mastermix sent loads of giveaways too)

OK OK it was a long time ago!

You love it really!. Any excuse to go on a Bouncy Castle!.

QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ May 21 2003, 12:42 PM)

Best day being when I got the roadie dressed up as Jive Bunny...

Is your roadies name warren!?

QUOTE (discodirect @ May 21 2003, 01:29 PM)

QUOTE (The Spindoctor @ May 21 2003, 12:42 PM) Best day being when I got the roadie dressed up as Jive Bunny... Is your roadies name warren!?

Or Jessica

As your on the Topic of Kids parties.I haven't ever really done parties for kids,not my style.But once or twice I helped out at a few outdoor family events.
But what is a real headache with kids parties/events,is loads of kids wanting to say something in the mic,and if you let them,they either scream in the mic,drop it several times.
So Unless you have a limiter/compressor and a cheapy mic,I wouldn't give the mic for kids to try out.
Otherwise you have one wrecked mic[especially if it falls on concrete],maybe some blown tweeters,or even a completely damaged system,when the mic makes a huge thump when it hits the ground.
So Unless you've got a lot of sound crew,entertainers,and supervising adults or event staff around,I wouldn't do a disco/outdoor event for kids.
But I have done a few[non-famous events for high school type kids 13-18],mainly mcing competitons,[to judge whos got the best lyrics which rhyme].

Hi again ragingbull...Ive said it before, kids parties are extremely specialised! I NEVER let the kids use my mic in the first place so dont have the problem of damage! I charge £150 for a two hour set - that includes whatever time they take for having "tea" and still turn work away! The more kids parties you do the more you get to know about what makes a great party! I do private parties, council fun days, school fetes, school discos - anything really..... You will either love doing these events or hate them.... if the latter, dont do them! Kids are really easy to work with providing you know how to treat them.... and know how to keep them from ever getting bored!

I agree with Kaz here ....... love em or hate em they are the adults of the future.

They don't want to be treated like kids its 'their' disco and given the chance they will repay you in thank yous at the end of the day!

thank you Doctor! I recently did a wedding where the bridesmaid (21 years) came up and said "oh Karen! do you remember me?"....... looking confused I had to admit I didnt "well" she said, "you used to do my parties when I was 9/10 and 11"........ OK I am getting on a bit now! She even told me how I used to wear my hear, what I wore clothes wise......... I took this as a great compliment to know that a "child" I had entertained many moons ago had been left with a really good impression.... she has also got my number for her wedding ... when it happens!

I love kids parties...

If im the only one then im proud to. But then again i am only 16....

I know they are lil Brats sometimes, but we were all once like that...

I suppose cos they're is two of us, my dad LOZ, its alot easier. Cos i help entertain the kids, and he plays music, or on Sunday was vice versa.

Its just good experience for me....as i want to be an actor when im older

I agree with you wholeheartedly on this one SCRoss two handed is always a better way to go!
Invariably I end up entertaining and Markie my roadie does the music, means I can be out front working in case the little blighters get too close!!

Firstly, it amazes and annoys me that so many DJs think they can all of a sudden be Children's Entertainers?! It's like an electrician offering to do your plumbing for you. Sadly, the DJ industry is infested with people that are 'jack of all trades - master on none'.

JJ, with all respect, why on earth are you taking on the job of Children's Entertainer when you are a DJ, it's just not fair on the booker, the kids or profesional children's entertainers who try so hard to raise the the already poor public perception of the industry due to people that think they can just ask a few questions on a forum and, hey presto, they are Kids entertainers in a day!

This is just typical naff, unprofessional DJ behaviour and one of the reasons why the art of DJing will never be taken seriously as a profession until the DJs themselves start acting in a more business-like way.

Whilst I agree with sharing information with other DJs and Entertainers. I think that this board is wrong to offer you help in becoming an entertainer overnight but is just typical of how DJs work. You need to be told not to go ahead with this at all - you are clearly not an entertainer and don't seem to have a clue about children and their likes and dislikes.

Calm down !!

QUOTE

Firstly, it amazes and annoys me that so many DJs think they can all of a sudden be Children's Entertainers?!

Kevin,

The same could be said for people who join and whereupon use their first post to do little more than lecture and flame other members.

There is certainly nothing wrong with expressing your opinion, which you are entitled to do as much as the next man...or woman on here, but your first post certainly draws unwelcome attention to you as a possible troublemaker.

I would ask that you take some time to read the many posts and to "get to know" the other members on this forum, and allow them to "get to know" you, before openly criticising them or their advice and in that respect you and your comments may be taken more seriously.

Your "argument" is totally one sided and you launch directly into criticism, yet I don't see any advice from you anywhere to re-address the balance? , perhaps your 2nd post could be a little more informative?? you may even dare to be constructive? . We all have something to learn from each other, even the members who have seen 33 years+ in the business.