Relax! This doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck over the New Years’ managing a bunch of unruly kids while the rest of the world is bringing in 2008 in style.

If you’re having a party at home, ask all your guests to bring their kids along.

• Designate a separate room in the house as the kids’ party area.

• Don’t be lazy about it – do it up with festive streamers and balloons. Get your children to help – they’ll love the chance to plan a party.

• Choose easy eats – finger foods, pizza, juice, and cupcakes for dessert. For a really easy cupcake dessert, just grab a batch of ready to eat cupcakes, and decorate each with frosted chocolate icing. Garnish with little marzipan animals.

• Make sure they ring in the New Years’ too. Give the oldest of the kids a small timer, or a watch to keep count of the last seconds.

• Have little gifts for each child.

This is a great way to encourage kids, especially shy ones to socialize with their peers.