Anyone with kids knows that May marks the beginning of "Birthday Party Season."

For some reason, almost every Saturday on our family calendar from May through August is circled and marked with a birthday party reminder. This often ilicits heavy sighs and rolled eyeballs from my husband. And you know what? I am gonna get his back on this one. He has a right to roll his eyes. Most kids birthday parties - for lack of a better term - suck.

Since it's only March, many mamas will be planning kid's parties in the next few months. I thought it might be useful to point out why some parties tend to suck more than others. Additionally, I wanted to offer some suggestions on how you can make your kid's party more enjoyable for all guests in attendance - and this includes the adults.

Kid's Birthday Parties: Why Do They Suck?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of reasons for this. I've narrowed the list down to what I consider to be the top 5:

5. Bad food - a.k.a. "Is this all there is to eat?"

Remember: kid's birthday parties are not just for kids. Greasy pizza, pinata innards, and gritty sugar frosting might be okay for the Phineas and Ferb set, their parents have more refined palates (and more restricted diets).

Consider setting up a small "Adults-Only Buffet." a fresh fruit platter, some bowls of cold veggies with dips/hummus, maybe some basic finger sandwiches or wraps. This goes a long way toward making the hungry grown-ups happy, and it doesn't have to cost a lot. Keep it simple.

4. Poor time management -a.k.a. "We can't leave till after they cut the cake."

Great kids parties have a good flow of events. Weekend family time is a precious commodity. Your party guests care enough about your kid spend a hunk of their Saturday to celebrate him/her. Respect their time!

The main functions of a kid's party (games/activities, food, singing happy birthday, cake cutting, presents) should take no more than 2-3 hours.

As the host, your job is to hustle the activity flow along. It's best to knock out the "have to's" at the beginning of the party. Leave the playing and merry making for the end of the party. This gives guests who need to leave the option of doing so without feeling bad for taking off before the candles are blown out. Close family and friends can stay and camp out till their little party-goers OD on sugar and land belly-down in the middle of the ball pit. That's fine. This way, everyone gets to manage their time.

3. Awkward Conversation a.k.a. "Do we know anyone here?"

Birthday parties are a mixed bag of guests. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, school mates, playgroup pals, neighbors, etc. Different social circles running together can make for some awkward conversation (or -worse yet - lack thereof).

If you have a spouse or partner helping you host, put him or her in charge of socializing among the adults. It isn't cool to invite people to a party, and then ignore them. Make sure everyone is included, and talked to. . Introduce guests to each other and mention things that they might have in common. You are off of the hook once they are talking to each other. Move on to the next guest: greet, introduce, etc. This is called mingling, and it is your job to do it.

2. Lack of basic comforts.

It's remarkable that this even needs to be mentioned. I've been to so many parties where just the basic necessities aren't covered. There need to be chairs to sit on. The temperature has to be controlled. There should be enough drinks and ice available. You get the picture.

1. Present-Opening Marathon -aka "do you think we have to stay through all of the presents?"

I've noticed a trend away from opening all of the presents at the birthday party. This is awesome.

Usually, kids want to run and play with their friends at a party. They grow weary of opening, posing, and thanking. After the first three gifts are demolished, they would rather continue bowling, anyway.

If you're comfortable with it, save the giftt opening for later, after the guests have gone. It's perfectly fine to say "We're going to let the kids enjoy hanging out, and we'll open presents later this afternoon, but you're welcome to stay/stop by for that if you'd like." I am always relieved when the host parents toss out this option.. You don't have to ooh and aah over the latest version of Guitar Hero, which you have already mastered in the privacy of your own home, anyway.

So, as you are planning your little darling's summer birthday bash, remember the tips above. Oh, and one last tip: spiking the punch probably wouldn't hurt. After all, taking home their own bleary-eyed tyke is the best party favor any parent can receive.