• Teenagers may be interested in a different kind of party than you had planned.party image by Alexey Laputin from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Planning a child's birthday party can be a tricky endeavor, trying to prepare for multiple children with different interests, tastes and other variations. As children reach the teenage years, the planning can get even harder, as tastes change quickly and impressions with friends can seem to be all they care about. However, careful preparation can still make you the coolest parent.
  
  

Cooperative Planning

• One key to planning a successful teenage birthday party is to pay close attention and be willing to cooperate with the teenager himself.
  
  Throwing a surprise party can be a popular idea among parents, especially for Sweet 16 parties. However, you must understand your child very well to prepare a party with no insight from him. Planning all of the details without your child could be a pleasant surprise, but it could also be a disappointing event if you make the wrong choices.
  
  If you are unsure about your child's party preferences, or if you don't think he would like a surprise, include him in the planning process. Allow the teenager to choose the location and the guest list. Depending on the teenager, you may be looking at an all-out bash at the local arcade, or a quiet night of video gaming or makeovers at your house. Accommodate as many of the child's request as you can into a realistic party environment.
  
  During the teenage period, appearance and impression can mean everything. Consult your child on as many decisions regarding the party as you can so that he does not appear "uncool" to his friends.
  
  

Theme Parties

• For young children, it seems that most early birthday parties have some sort of theme, from favorite cartoon characters to superheroes or princesses. By the time children reach their teens, however, tastes can change in an instant--or so it may seem to a parent--and adults are often left struggling to keep up.
  
  If you are trying to plan a themed party, choose very carefully. If the party won't be a surprise, consult with the teenager regarding theme options. Themes may be vaguer at an older age. For example, if the teenager selects a laser tag arena for the location of the party, you may want to decorate with space-themed designs instead of character-specific ideas.
  
  Parties do not always have to have themes. In some instances, simply supplying good music, good food and good activities can be enough to see the group through the party.
  
  

Activities

• Teenagers are often well beyond the Simon Says and Pin the Tail on the Donkey age of party games, so entertaining a group of them can seem like a hassle.
  
  Take into account the number of guests coming to your teenager's party. If he is only inviting three or four friends, you may be able to take all of the guests to dinner, a movie or an activity, including bowling or billiards.
  
  For larger parties, provide a selection of movies, board games and video games. Group activities, such as scavenger hunts through the neighborhood, can also provide entertainment, but be careful that such a game does not seem too juvenile for the age range.