HI all, I need some advice please. The party started out well with one child approaching me but suddenly I had six kids all asking for balloons at the same time. It was a free for all. I started getting stressed and lost control of the situation. Like last year, I missed my daughter's birthday again because kids kept asking me for balloons. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can keep relaxed and in control?

One more thing lol...one of the older children asked me why my hand was shaking lol. I was doing some sharpie art at the time.

Thank you!

So having had time to think on how it went Richard, what would you do different now?

Hi Graham, i think my downfall was bringing along a turtle and ladybug braclet that i had made the night before.  I wasn't confident making them and obviously the kids wanted them! I should of started off making pirate swords, flowers and dogs which i'm confident doing quickly. My mistake was giving them too many options!

I'm going to practice more throughout the year, so i can get confident at making other balloon models at speed and without thinking about how to make it!

P.s. the kids kept stealing my pump and balloons while i was busy. I think either i need two pumps or one around my neck.

Hello Richard

Have you thought about making a few balloons before the party? enough for everyone to have one each, that at least all the kids have a balloon and you can take more time doing the other things?

As for kids touching and stealing your pump and balloons, I do have a few signs on my gear that say "Please do not touch" however you cant expect a child to understand these all the time so I am very strict when it comes to my kit, the moment I see someone getting too close I ask them to step back, I keep my gear close to me and the moment I see a hand reach out I simply say in a sharp but friendly voice "Please don't touch".

It's good that you have thought the problems through, we all get them.
How about making a menu board with just maybe six basic designs you are happy making
and that is all the can choose from, it will help take the stress off till you are more confident.

And you have to be more forceful, take no prisoners in a nice when
it comes to the children touching and taking your personal items.

Can you have a barrier/space between them and you when twisting?

Quote from: "magirob"Hello Richard

Have you thought about making a few balloons before the party? enough for everyone to have one each, that at least all the kids have a balloon and you can take more time doing the other things?

As for kids touching and stealing your pump and balloons, I do have a few signs on my gear that say "Please do not touch" however you cant expect a child to understand these all the time so I am very strict when it comes to my kit, the moment I see someone getting too close I ask them to step back, I keep my gear close to me and the moment I see a hand reach out I simply say in a sharp but friendly voice "Please don't touch".

Hi Magirob, i was thinking the same thing about making the balloon models before the party, but then i thought it might take the fun away from the children. I doubt a sign will work to be honest, because theres a few of my daughters friends who are hyper active and even there mum's have trouble getting them to do what they are told. I will do a sign for next time though.

P.s. it's funny that you said about making them before the party, because that's what my mum said i should of done.

Thanks for the adivce

Quote from: "Graham Lee"It's good that you have thought the problems through, we all get them.
How about making a menu board with just maybe six basic designs you are happy making
and that is all the can choose from, it will help take the stress off till you are more confident.

And you have to be more forceful, take no prisoners in a nice when
it comes to the children touching and taking your personal items.

Can you have a barrier/space between them and you when twisting?

Hi Graham, i will do what you said and print out a menu board for next time, so the kids know what is available and what is not lol. I might also hand out tickets so the same kids don't come back and try and get two. I will have my own table next time to hopefully fend off the kids and hide my gear under the table cloth. I actually had to retrive my pump 3 or 4 time's while i had kids waiting for ballons.

In the end i do enjoy making balloons for the kids but i need to be more organized next time.

Thanks alot for your advice.

Get strict  

I use a menu board, velcro picture that I can change depending on the event.  Kids love to choose from it. I have a sign on my pump saying not to touch and if they do I just tell them straight that its expensive and I don't think Mummy would be happy with a bill... Mum soon cracks the whip  :mrgreen:  

At the beginning just stick to what you're confident at.. I did and I'm getting quicker and more confident....