Preparing for Plunger-Free Pool Parties for the Little Kids #TweetFromTheSeat

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My parents live two minutes away and have a gorgeous backyard with a pool. My husband and I got married on the lawn back there with 80 guests. We've planned 4th of July parties, birthdays, and last summer, we hosted half a dozen pool parties with our playgroup. As we make our way out of the June Gloom here in Southern California I'm beginning to plan pool parties and summer activies galore but there's a catch...

Our parties HAVE to be easy, we can't spend too much, and our toilet needs to flush and flow freely until the last guest shuts the bathroom door.

We feel like the quantity of the parties is more important than the quality. Not that we're going to have a dirty house, yard, or pool, but we aren't calling the caterer and a DJ. We have so much fun throwing these parties, that instead of going big on just one, we have many more affordable gatherings all summer long.

Here's a list of things we do to make pool parties run smoothly, on a budget, especially when you have a big group with babies, toddlers, and little kids.



Pot Luck and BYO most of the food and drinks.
Everybody brings a dish to share and drinks are mostly BYO. We put out pitchers of ice water and a stack of reusable plastic cups from the dollar store, maybe some cold drinks in an ice chest. I cut up a watermelon, maybe toss a salad, or mix up a big bowl of guacamole. If I'm feeling festive, I may make a batch of banana bread, or cupcakes. We get a nice mix of food and the costs are spread evenly throughout the group.

Don't be caught with a plunger in your hand!

A big challenge with the larger groups is that there is only one bathroom. We always make sure our restroom is ready for the task of taking on that many people with toilet paper that will not clog the toilet. Charmin is recommended by Roto-Rooter because of its clog-free and septic-safe guarantee.



Skin Protection - Sunburns aren't a good look for anyone...
Shade is important for the very little ones, very fair ones, or pregnant Mommas. If there is no shade normally, put up an umbrella, or put some chairs under a tree.



We put a 12x12' tent up over our Jacuzzi which was kept pool temp for ladies to lounge and littles to entertain themselves with a cool little spot to stand and play.



Pool party hospitality must-haves
People forget sunscreen and towels, and leave them both behind. I have a basket of sunscreens and small stack of towels that anyone could use. The bathroom is stocked with a stack of Charmin Ultra Strong or Ultra Soft which won't clog toilets and embarrass guests, a baby potty, and a towel on the floor because kids that have to go pee-pee are often dripping wet.

Don't overthink this; keep it EASY.
I'm a playdate expert. I run a playgroup and have held countless parties for the baby, toddler, and preschool crowd. One thing I've learned is to provide toys, but let the kids play without structure. Trying to manage arts and crafts, games, or anything with rules or organization is a waste of time. The kids will make their own fun and eat when they feel like it. Your job as a parent is to make sure you sunscreen kids often enough, keep your eye on them in the pool, and have fun!



Safety First err last on this list, but still super important!
Finally, It is a good idea to have someone watch the pool at all times. Remind everyone to bring their floaties or life vest for the little ones who can't swim and of course it is a good idea to have some extras on hand if possible. We had a very injury and accident free last summer and we want to keep it that way!

Most of all, have fun this summer and make it memorable!

Do you have any tips or ideas for pool parties or fun things to do with the kids this summer? Comment below!