MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The idea of a roomful of excited, squealing kids can make some parents vow never to throw a child's birthday party, but these events can be fun for everyone.

Planning is essential to having a child's party. Plan the time, the activities, the food and how gifts will be handled. Arrange to have a few parents on hand to help with crowd control.

Dr. Jan Taylor, professor of human development and family studies at Mississippi State University, said parents should consider their child's age and temperament when deciding what kind of birthday party to give.

"Children can have a happy birthday party without parents spending a whole lot of money, but planning is the key," Taylor said. "Parents have a sense of what their child likes and should plan a party that is fitting for them."

A birthday party should please the child, yet fit the family's budget and expectations. Parents should follow certain tips to keep party-goers happy and controlled. * Never invite more children than can be accommodated.

• Choose age appropriate activities. Younger children may not happily wait their turn for a single activity.
• In parties with just children, keep the guests' ages within two years of the birthday child's age.
• Set party limits in advance, such as rules for sharing toys and where the children can play, and make sure the birthday child is aware of these.
• Giving each child a party favor often makes it easier for young guests to give a gift and not get to play with it.
• Bigger is not necessarily better, both in the number of kids invited and the activities planned.

"Theme parties are often good because children can relate to these," Taylor said. "However, parents should realize that younger children do not pay as much attention to detail as do older children."