New Year's Party For Kids

Kids love to be involved in the New Year's festivities just as much as grown-ups. You can include them in the countdown to the New Year with some fun activities. Ask them to report on their most memorable moments of the previous year. Bake and decorate 2005 sugar cookies. Don't forget the New Year's Crown or Top Hat Headbands and party horns. Finally, include them in the toast with sparkling cider or grape juice.

History is Child's Play

The story of Cinderella can be dated back to 9th Century China and hundreds of versions of the story are known throughout the world. Even though the United States has never had a monarchy or a princess, Cinderella is still the most popular fairy tale. The way children know of Cinderella these days is historic when you consider that Disney created the animated film over 50 years ago. I remember fondly playing dress-up as a child and to this day, I have never met a 5-year-old girl who did not want to be a princess. But do boys want to be Prince Charming? Not usually. Boys seem to love anything with a sword or a cape; they enjoy the battles of The Knights of the Round Table from the Middle Ages, Blackbeard the Pirate from the early 1700s, or Superman and other comic book heroes from the 1930s. So amidst today's child spending hours in front of the television or computer, when it comes to imagination play, they play with history every day.

Encourage imaginary play by providing children with dress-up costumes and accessories to act out their fantasies or favorite stories. Often times, dress-up items are found being unworn in your closet. Old dresses, skirts, jewelry, shoes, scarves and hats help children become the beautiful princess or fearless pirate. Regardless of how much times change, girls have always and will always pretend to be Cinderella and boys always imagine themselves invincible with their sword. This has become a universal truth and the reason for fond childhood memories.

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