What Kids REALLY Eat at Parties – 12 Years of Behind-the-Scenes Wisdom
If you’ve ever hosted a children’s party, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question so many parents ask me:
“Yolanda… what on earth do I feed the kids?”
After running Giggles 4 Girls parties for over 12 years, I can tell you with full confidence:
Parents, your party food problem is officially solved!
And the answer may surprise you…
The Secret to Party Food Success: Keep It Simple
I often see parents staying up late the night before — cooking, baking, slicing, assembling, and preparing elaborate party spreads that look Pinterest-perfect.
But here’s what we’ve witnessed at hundreds of real parties:
Kids go straight for the simple favourites.
Not the fancy stuff. Not the complicated recipes.Just the classics that they know and love.
The Top “Most Loved” Kids’ Party Foods
After 12 years of watching what actually gets eaten, the winners are clear:
Fairy Bread – It’s nostalgic, colourful and ALWAYS disappears first. Potato Gems – Crunchy, warm and irresistible. Chicken Nuggets – The universal kid-approved party staple.
These three simple foods consistently get empty plates, happy smiles, and zero waste.
And Yes… Kids DO Eat Healthy Options!
You might think kids won’t touch fruit… but we see something very different.
Put out fresh fruit in fun, bite-sized pieces, and watch how quickly it disappears:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Grapes
Watermelon cubes
Kids love food they can pick up with their fingers.Make it colourful, easy, and small — and they will choose it every time.
Final Tip: Don’t Stress
Parents, take the pressure off yourselves.Party food doesn’t need to be complicated to be a hit.The simplest foods create the happiest kids and the stress-free parents!
If you’d love a magical party experience where we handle everything, we’re always here to make your little one’s celebration unforgettable.
Giggles 4 Girls – Where Fun, Sparkles & Smiles Come to Life!
A New Way to Celebrate: Our Special Mum & Daughter Connection Spa Pamper Party
At Giggles 4 Girls, we’re always dreaming up new ways to create magical experiences for families. This time, our inspiration came from the most precious bond of all—the one between a mother and her daughter.
We know from our own journeys that the mother–daughter relationship is beautiful, unique, and irreplaceable. It’s also one that faces its fair share of challenges. Whether it’s the busyness of daily life, the ups and downs of growing up, or the constant juggle of work, relationships, and everything in between—it can sometimes feel like that bond gets stretched thin.
That’s why we created our newest theme: the Mum & Daughter Connection Spa Pamper Party.
Why This Theme Means So Much to Us
This offering is truly close to our hearts. As a mother–daughter team ourselves, we’ve walked through the laughter, the growing pains, the misunderstandings, and the incredible moments of closeness that define this relationship. We wanted to create something that gives other mums and daughters the space to reconnect, play, and enjoy each other—without distraction.
When we host these events, we’re not just pampering. We’re weaving in little moments of love, joy, and deep understanding that help mums and daughters leave feeling more connected than when they arrived.
What to Expect
The 1-hour spa pamper experience is designed to nurture both fun and closeness. Together, you and your daughter will enjoy:
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Beautiful hairstyles for both mum and daughter
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Relaxing foot massages
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Fun and soothing chocolate facials (with cucumbers on the eyes, of course!)
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Lighthearted music, games, and optional extras like face painting, dress-ups, or painted nails
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A special fashion show finale where mum and daughter step out together, glowing with joy
Throughout the experience, we capture photos of those candid smiles, sweet glances, and moments you’ll treasure long after the party is over.
Why We Know It Works
At the heart of our business is the belief that connection is everything. Through Empowered Parenting, we work every day with families to help them thrive in their relationships. These same principles flow naturally into our Giggles 4 Girls parties.
Before each event, we even send mums and daughters a thoughtful little questionnaire to uncover their hopes, wishes, and needs so that the experience feels truly personal.
And here’s something special: as we run these events as a mother–daughter team ourselves, every party strengthens our own bond too. We often end the day with happy tears, moved by the love and closeness that radiates from the families we work with.
A Gift for Mothers and Daughters
We truly believe this is more than just a party… it’s a gift of time, joy, and connection that will stay with you both forever.
👉 Click here to find out more about our Special Mum & Daughter Connection Spa Pamper Party
From Giggles to Growth: How Girls’ Empowerment and Empowered Parenting Go Hand in Hand
When you picture a joyful celebration like a Giggles 4 Girls Party, you might not immediately connect it to the deep emotional work of Empowered Parenting coaching, Yolanda Alvares but surprisingly, they share the same powerful mission.
Both are rooted in one purpose:
Helping parents raise confident, emotionally resilient children who feel seen, valued, and truly good about who they are.
Girls Empowerment Parties That Make a Difference
At Giggles 4 Girls, we create unforgettable “look good, feel good” parties designed to uplift, pamper, and empower young girls. These celebrations are more than just fun—they’re about building self-worth, encouraging positive friendships, and helping each child feel like the radiant, unique person they truly are.
From mini-makeovers to guided journaling activities that build confidence, these parties are a reflection of what every child deserves: to be celebrated, cherished, and empowered.Empowered Parenting: Supporting Parents From the Inside OutOn the other side of our work is Empowered Parenting—a deeply transformational coaching space where Yolanda support parents in reconnecting with the kind of parent they truly want to be. Ps. Yolanda runs free workshops and one on one coaching sessions with parents.
Register HERE for our upcoming event.
Too often, stress, frustration, and unresolved emotions show up in how we parent—causing disconnection, guilt, and reactive patterns. Through emotional resilience tools, inner healing, and conscious communication strategies, we help parents bridge the gap between intention and impact.
Because the greatest legacy we can leave our children isn’t perfection—it’s presence, authenticity, and emotional connection.
Why These Two Worlds Are One MissionWhile a Pamper Party and a Parent Coaching Session may look different, both are part of the same journey:
• Creating space for children to feel validated and loved
• Helping parents do the inner work that supports meaningful connection
• Building a foundation where the entire family thrives—emotionally, mentally, and relationally
Whether it’s through joyful celebration or deep self-reflection, our mission is clear: To support families in raising confident, connected kids by empowering both the child and the parent.
Final Thoughts: From Play to Purpose
It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of parenting. But when we pause and invest in both our children’s confidence and our own emotional growth, we build something far more lasting than birthday memories—we build a legacy of LOVE
If you’re looking to empower your daughter or reconnect with your parenting purpose, we’re here to help.
Interested in learning more about Empowered Parenting or hosting a Giggles Party?
Creating Magical Moments: Why Giggles 4 Girls Is More Than Just a Party
A Moment That Stays With You
Recently, while riding the escalator at a Melbourne shopping centre, my daughter and I—both decked out in our signature pink—were stopped by a mum and her two girls. They lit up as they recognised us from a Giggles 4 Girls party we hosted five years ago.
The mum smiled and said, “You probably don’t remember us—but we’ll never forget that party.”
That moment captured everything we stand for.
11 Years of Sparkle & Smiles
For over a decade, Giggles 4 Girls has been delivering party experiences that go far beyond the glitter and glam. Whether it’s a Spa Pamper Party, Princess Celebration, or Disco Diva event, we create genuine moments of joy that girls remember for years.
Our mission?
To make every child feel confident, celebrated, and like the star of the show.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
It’s not just the kids who carry the memory—parents do too. We often receive calls from mums who’ve looked at every pamper party out there, only to hear their daughter say, “I want a Giggles 4 Girls party—like the one my friend had.”
That’s the kind of impact we’re proud to create.
Planning a Party? Let’s Make It Unforgettable.
If you want your daughter to experience that same magic—where she’s seen, celebrated, and surrounded by sparkle—we’d love to make it happen.
🪄 Bookings are now open for our most popular party themes. Let’s create a celebration that your child—and their friends—will never forget.
👉 Tap below to enquire and let the giggles begin!
Empowering Kids & Parents: How a Birthday Party Transformed One Family’s Journey
At Giggles 4 Girls, we do more than just plan unforgettable kids’ birthday parties—we create experiences that empower children and support parents. Emma’s story is a perfect example of how a simple celebration turned into a life-changing parenting journey.
Struggles with Friendship: A Parent’s Worry
Emma’s daughter, Sophie, 10 years, is a bright and loving girl navigating the challenges of ADHD and ASD. For her, making and keeping friendships wasn’t easy, and Emma often felt heartbroken watching her daughter struggle with social connections. She worried that Sophie was attracting friends who didn’t truly value or include her. The anxiety over her daughter’s struggles with friendships left Emma feeling helpless and unsure how to support her.
A Birthday Party That Sparked Change
Wanting to give Sophie an unforgettable birthday experience, Emma booked a Giggles 4 Girls Spa Pamper Theme 10th birthday party. But what she didn’t expect was that this party would be more than just painting nails, having foot spas and chocolate facials and lots of giggles—it would become the start of a new perspective on parenting and connecting with her daughter on a deeper level.
At Giggles 4 Girls, we don’t just throw parties—we create inclusive, empowering experiences where every child feels special. While celebrating Sophie, our team expertly observed the friendship dynamics at play, the conversations between the kids and mum Emma’s interaction with the kids.
From Birthday Celebration to Parenting Transformation
After the party, Emma received an email from Giggles4Girls inviting Emma to a 30 minute Parenting Strategy Session – Online through Empowered Parenting—a session designed to help parents build stronger connections with their children.
During this session, Yolanda, put on her parenting mentoring hat and shared with Emma her expertise and insights on Sophie’s key strengths and traits. And put together a mini parenting plan and strategy to address all of Emma’s concerns about Sophies developmental and social challenges.
Emma took up the 12-week Empowered Parenting Program, and Emma started to experience shifts in her parenting experience. As well as more trust and confidence in herself as a mum.
A New Beginning for Mum & Daughter
Today, Emma sees Sophie in a whole new light. Instead of feeling anxious about her daughter’s friendships, she’s learning to trust and support her social growth without fear. Sophie, in turn, is happier, more confident, and enjoying friendships naturally—without pressure.
Emma’s stress levels have lowered, and she finally feels empowered in her parenting journey. By working through her own past experiences, she’s discovering a new sense of joy in motherhood.
More Than a Party—A Support System for Parents
At Giggles 4 Girls, we create magical, confidence-boosting parties for kids. But we also believe in empowering parents to feel more confident, connected, and supported. Through Empowered Parenting, mums like Emma gain practical tools to navigate parenthood with less stress and more joy.
👉 Want to create a memorable experience for your child while also gaining expert parenting support?
💌 Book a Giggles 4 Girls party today and receive a complimentary parenting session—because when parents feel confident, kids thrive.
Empowering Girls & Mums: Celebrating International Women’s Month with Giggles 4 Girls & Empowered Parenting
March is all about celebrating women, uplifting girls, and creating spaces where they feel empowered, confident, and supported. At Giggles 4 Girls, we believe that confidence and strong friendships start young—right at the heart of every special moment. And what better way to celebrate International Women’s Month than by making girls feel truly special on their birthdays while also supporting the incredible mums who raise them?
More Than a Party—An Experience That Builds Confidence & Friendships
A Giggles 4 Girls party isn’t just about fun and games—it’s about fostering confidence, self-love, and strong friendships in a way that’s both exciting and meaningful. Every party we create is designed to celebrate the birthday girl in a way that makes her feel like a princess—from her special seat at the party to games that revolve around inclusivity, connection, and shared joy.
🌟 How do we empower girls?
✅ We encourage confidence through fun, engaging party activities.
✅ We create opportunities for girls to celebrate friendships and make lifelong memories.
✅ We work closely with the birthday girl and her mum to curate a personalised, unforgettable experience.
At the heart of what we do is the belief that every girl deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and supported—values that align deeply with International Women’s Month.
Supporting Mums on Their Parenting Journey
But our mission doesn’t stop at the birthday girl. We know that behind every confident young girl is a mum who wants to nurture, guide, and uplift her daughter—and that’s where Empowered Parenting comes in.
At Giggles 4 Girls, we know that empowering young girls starts with supporting their mums, too. That’s why every party comes with a special gift for parents—an opportunity to receive expert parenting insights from our founder, Yolanda Alvares.
As a full-time parenting mentor and the founder of Empowered Parenting, Yolanda has dedicated her career to helping parents build deeper relationships with their children. She runs empowerment workshops for both parents and kids, guiding families toward connection, emotional resilience, and conscious parenting strategies.
Every mum who books a party with us gets access to a free parenting session—because supporting parents means supporting the next generation of empowered girls.
The Ripple Effect of Empowerment
When a girl grows up feeling celebrated, included, and confident, she carries that sense of self-worth into every stage of her life. And when a mum feels supported and empowered in her parenting journey, she has the tools to nurture her child’s emotional well-being.
So, this International Women’s Month, we celebrate the girls who are finding their voices, the friendships that lift them up, and the mums who are shaping the next generation of strong women. 💖
Want to create a magical, confidence-boosting party for your daughter? 🎈 Let’s make her birthday unforgettable!
📲 DM us to book a party or claim your free parenting session today!
Embracing Self-love For Resilient Parenting
In my years of mentoring parents, I have found that, almost always, we prioritise our children’s needs above our own, inadvertently neglecting our well-being. We do this with the best of intentions, however, placing the needs of our children at the forefront can have significant effects on our emotional state and our ability to provide the best care for our children.
Empowered parenting is about recognising our emotions around our kids and taking back control of how we feel. 👍🏼
Here are some ways on how to practise SELF-LOVE: 😍
1. Locus of control
Locus of control allows us to recognise the extent to which we have control over. While we can create a supportive environment for our children, our children’s emotions are their own experiences and personal responses to different situations.
What we can control, however, are our own emotions and how we respond to our children’s feelings. By having this awareness, we model healthy emotional expression and provide a safe space for our children to explore and communicate their own feelings.
2. Observe our thoughts
The way we talk to ourselves, our inner dialogue, has a profound impact on our parenting experience. Negative self-talk can create a cycle of self-doubt and undermines our confidence in providing the loving guidance our children need.
By observing our thoughts and choosing self-love, we create a nurturing and empowering parenting environment.
🌟 Let’s remember, self-love is not a luxury, but a necessity in the beautiful journey of parenthood. Let’s embrace it and watch as our parenting journey blossom with love, joy, and fulfilment. 💖
How To Raise A Disciplined Child?
Raising a disciplined child
is about encouraging our kids to manage their feelings and their behaviour as they work towards certain goals. It is a key ingredient for SUCCESS as it helps our kids to be persistent in achieving their goals and aspirations.
Here are some of my tips on how to raise a disciplined child:
1. Power of language
We need to choose the words we speak to our kids. As parents, our role is to love our child. As we harness the power of language, we learn to communicate that our love for our kids is a given and is not up for negotiation. And it is not them, but certain behaviours that we do not approve of.
Negative labels placed upon kids, such as lazy, irresponsible, difficult, etc., disempower, discourage and demotivate.
Instead, replace these words with their positive traits you wish to amplify. For example, if your child is kind, or friendly, or generous, do not miss the opportunity to convey these to them.
2. Collaborate when calm
Our children are more likely to understand our expectations, listen and process information when they are in a state of calm. Stress and anxiety, on the other hand, interfere with the way our kids experience reality. Their minds are preoccupied with their own feelings and concerns, making it harder for them to fully engage with their parents’ words and actions.
3. Stage vs age
When we talk about child development, it’s important to differentiate between two concepts: stage and age. While age refers to the chronological age of a child, stage refers to the child’s level of development in particular areas.
As parents, it is crucial for us to know which stage our child is at. We need to understand that children develop at their own pace and our expectations of them must align with their stage.
Ask: Am I setting expectations that my child cannot meet? Am I setting them up for disappointment and/or failure?
Knowing what stage our kids are at ensures that they are supported and challenged appropriately.
3 Tips To Be A Better Parent Today Than You Were Yesterday
Being a parent is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in life. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to be intentional about our parenting. If you’re looking to be a better parent today than you were yesterday, here are some tips to help you on your journey:
1. Unconditional love
When in the midst of frustration, it is so easy to forget that your only role in that moment s to love them without conditions.
How to do this?
Begin by observing your language. Instead of being quick to correct, find out what you can say differently to let your child know that you love them no matter what, and that it is their behaviour that you do not approve of.
As we begin to parent from this starting point of unconditional love, we start to observe how the language, perspective, and energy we bring into otherwise challenging situations begin to shift. We also begin to see how these allow for a much deeper connection between our child and us.
2. Check in with your emotional bank balance
Evaluate whether you have had meaningful interactions with your child and created opportunities for open connection and emotional intimacy.
It is when you have made enough connection that you can start making withdrawals and be able to effectively convey your expectations and requests. An adequate emotional bank balance brings in structure and routine in the home.
3. Create rituals
Activities and traditions that reflect a family’s interests and values have the potential to create powerful connections and ownership within the family.
Here are some ideas:
Daily or weekly family walk
After dinner, a short walk is a great way to get out of the house for a bit of exercise and away from screens. If your kids are small, the stroller is a great option. As they grow, they’ll be excited to walk along with you.
Cook together
Cooking together with your child is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you and your child to share a common goal, and working towards that goal can help build a stronger bond between you. It’s a great way to spend quality time together while also teaching valuable life skills and fostering a deeper connection.
Being a parent is a constant learning experience, and it’s important to remember that you can always strive to be a better parent than you were yesterday. It is about making small, intentional changes one day at a time that add up over time. By focusing on these tips, you can create a more positive and fulfilling relationship with your child.
