To new princesses; or a princess that just needs a reminder.
I had the pleasure of being a manager and recruiter in the company I was employed by. In this company, we had both the character cast member and the non-character cast member, called the "host" [to know more about hosting, check out Supporting Cast: More Important Than the Princess]. As such, I would often host parties for new character cast members.
The following is my in-the-car-on-the-way-to-the-party talk - mostly to give them a clear direction for the party and, hopefully, to inspire them as they begin a their job in magic making.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Remember Why You're There *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
“Why worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better.”
- Walt Disney -
The kiddos already love you, you don't have to win them over (except maybe that one kid who's jaded and doesn't want to have fun - you know the type).
They've made their parents play your movie for hours, days, maybe weeks on end. They probably know your story better than you do. So, really, they're just looking to spend time with you and show you their own little story. Focus on the kids and you can do no wrong.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Create an Intimate Moment with Each Kiddo *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
In all the parties I've done, there's always a one-on-one activity for the princess to do with each kiddo. This can be getting their nails painted, doing their makeup, or even just a temporary tattoo. These close-encounter moments are great for asking questions about the kid and their life [check out my Questions to Engage Kiddos post for some of my staples]. Basically, you want to show them that you care. Asking about their world makes kiddos so excited to share. (heh. rhyming.)
Alternatively, if they're really shy or you simply haven't had a chance to interact because the party's been hectic, you can make the kiddo feel special during your picture taking. Asking what kind of pose they want to do or what they want to say before smiling for the camera shows that you value what they think, making their photo special for them [see A Princess Doesn't Say "Cheese" or check out my hashtags for targeted ideas].
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* It's the Birthday Kid's Special Day *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Every birthday kid is a bit different. Some will be shy or overwhelmed and need some time to warm up to you before you can really engage with them. Others will be crazy over-the-top and almost won't let you engage with their guests. Ultimately, though, you've been hired for the birthday kiddo, so the birthday kiddo should be the one who feels the most special.
This can be as simple as having them go first or asking them to choose the next activity. But you can also make them feel special by engaging with them during story time, dancing lessons, and whatever else your party includes. You can comment on how lovely they twirl then have everyone else try to twirl like them. Ask them questions about their craft or have them tell you their favorite part of the story.
Be creative and boost their little ego.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Have a Lasting Impression *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
"The head forgets, but the heart remembers."
- Lenard Jaskolski -
This is my favorite part. (cue me getting all weepy)
In 2018, I did a quick 5 minute video call with my boss's nieces while I was dressed as Tinker Bell for Halloween. They were going to Disneyland for the eldest's birthday, so I said a quick hello before starting my shift. Seriously, nothing crazy. I think I had only stopped by her office because I had a question or something. But, a year later, my boss told me they still talk about our little video call.
When the party is over, you go home and maybe don't think about those kids ever again. Maybe the party was exhausting and you're just happy to be out of there. But I guarantee, that birthday kiddo will be talking about how their favorite princess came to their birthday party for weeks, if not months, after it's over.
That's why being present in the moment and having those little connections is so important. You're making the world a more magical place for that kid - that's the job.
Comentarios