As a Children’s Entertainer for the last 15 years I have had the honor of entertaining thousands of children on their special day. It is FUN to enter a party and feel the excitement from the hearts and souls of the birthday child and their friends.
I arrive at the party filled with energy, ready to share magic, face painting, balloon art, songs, games, parachute play, bubbles and more! As I gaze over a sea of pulsating party participants I can usually recognize the birthday child. They are either wearing a special crown, tiara, button or extra big smile of anticipation. I start singing a welcome song and then immediately lead into a ‘hip hip hooray’ for the birthday child. After a rabble rousing rendition of the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” we play a game of “Princess Polka Dot Says” (borrowed from Simon.)
As the excitement builds I then perform a 10-15 minute magic show. All are in awe, including the adults, as a coloring book is magically colored in, a rope changes into a red hankerchief, a scarf changes color from inside a magic pouch and a little polka dot scarf disappears and reappears!
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After the magic show it is time for balloon art and/or face painting.
At one of my first parties many years ago I had just completed the magic show for a 6 year old girl and her friends. I then announced in my animated voice, “Princess Polka Dot is now going to make everyone a balloon animal!!!”
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As 10 little girls were jumping up and down in excitement and anticipation, there was one little girl in the small crowd that was crying. As the adults looked on, I gently went over to the child and asked her what was the matter. After 15 years I can still see her little face as she choked back tears and said to me, “I don’t want to BE a balloon animal.”
Well, to say the least, I have not phrased it in that way since! Oh, the minds of little ones! We are graced with the presence of these eager and frisky beings! I have had the pleasure of sharing the joy of their special day with their family and friends. When I am about to leave I often receive a hug from the birthday child or sometimes a group party hug. It fills me with warmth and love. I always feel a special connection to the children at the parties and feel as though I have been apart of their “family” for that hour.
We are all connected and more alike than we often realize. Children especially have the innate ability to connect and love unconditionally. We all have that ability and it feels so good when we are reminded. Children remind us.
Until next Wednesday, remember, it is all “for the love of kids…”
