Teen birthday parties are sometimes more challenging to plan than birthday parties for younger children. First off, your teen will not want to be babied, or want you to hang around very much on the actual party day when all of their friends are around too. I personally think the role of the parents at a teen party is similar to being the conductor of an orchestra - you're not playing an instrument, or part of the band, but the piece couldn't be played without someone setting the tempo and coordinating all of the players. Remember, without a conductor, there is no orchestra, and without a party planner, there is no birthday party!

Expanding on that idea, if you think of yourself as the birthday party planner, it helps to keep you focussed on the tasks at hand and also will help you not feel left out on the actual party day. Of course, you will be there to supervise and touch-in to the party from time to time. Be there when the gifts are opened. Have a piece of cake with the kids. But my advice is not to hover too much - let your teen enjoy their sense of independence. When you have a family party, either before or after the teen's party, you can lavish your attention on your teen directly then. And, need I remind you to be sure to be there - we've all seen the movies of what happens when teens have a party and the parents have gone away for the weekend ... :) or you may simply remember your own teenage years and thus take adequate precautions! LOL

We have some fun birthday party ideas for teens to your left. Many of them can be aged up or down, according to the tastes of your teenager. At this age, it is important that they "buy in" to the concept of having a birthday party theme for their get-together in the first place. Let your teen help in the planning as much as they wish, as it is quite likely they will want to make sure that the plans and arrangements are to their approval. The more your kids get involved in helping contribute ideas for the party, the likelihood of them enjoying their party increases.