Ifthe seemingly innocent words 'children's' and 'party' are enough to strike fear into your heart, then you are probably not alone. Parents often worry excessively about hosting children's parties because of the associated stress, expense, tears and tantrums.

However, it need not necessarily be an ordeal but something that can easily be an enjoyable experience with a little careful planning and foresight. For example, it is probably best to keep the numbers invited down to a minimum to avoid overcrowding and making your job harder than it need be. Perhaps just invite the child's closest friends, think twice before doing a joint party as that increases numbers and even think about making a boys or girls only party which makes it easier to keep numbers down.

If you think that you may struggle to manage looking after the children and sorting out games and food at the same time, it may be worth ensuring that a family member is around at the same time or alternatively you could call upon an entertainer or a qualified childcarer to help out. Parties should be kept short for younger children so that they do not get too tired and irritable and longer for children who are older and can perhaps attend parties after a day at school.

Presents at parties are always tricky. Children can be brutally honest in the way that only children can be if the present isn't quite what they were after or it isn't their favourite colour! Before the party begins, you could try explaining that each guest feels their gift is special, and that it's the thought behind it that counts. It is probably best to leave the opening of presents until everyone has gone home - and don't forget to write down who gave what.

Make it clear to parents if they are expected to stay, it is generally expected that if the guests are three and under the parents will stay. There are plenty of other tips and tricks for hosting a successful children's party but as long as the guests are having fun and you are left with some hair at the end of the day, it should be considered a success!