Asthma-Aware Party Planning Questions for Hosts
If a guest has asthma, ask their parent about the party you are actually planning: where children will play, what decorations you will use and who will supervise. A general “any allergies?” line does not ask about running games, outdoor conditions or inhaler access. Use the five questions above to start the conversation, then fill in the notes below with the family’s answers.
How to use the five questions
Send the questions before the RSVP closes, while you can still change the activities or setup. Describe what you already know: “We have a dog, we’re planning a relay game outside, and we were going to use balloons. What would you like us to change?” This is example wording to adapt to your party.
Ask the parent to explain anything you do not understand. Keep their child’s individual instructions with the adult supervising that child. The RSVP questions for contact details and drop-off arrangements help you confirm who is staying and how to reach the family.
Food needs are a separate question. If the guest also has a food allergy, use food-allergy questions for the RSVP to collect those details rather than treating an asthma conversation as the whole answer.
Do balloons and decorations need to change?
Tell the parent what you intend to use and ask what applies to their child. Include balloons and favors, pets in the home, strong fragrances, and smoke from a grill or fire pit. Mention where outdoor activities will happen as well as what will be inside.
If the family asks for latex-free materials, the latex-free decoration guide gives you items to check when buying decorations or speaking to a rental company. Confirm products and substitutions with the family; do not assume that every child with asthma needs the same changes.
If fragrance is a concern, discuss candles, diffusers, cleaning products, scented markers and favor-bag items. The fragrance-free party planning guide has invitation wording and a list of products to consider. Write down the changes the parent requests instead of relying on “we’ll keep it in mind.”
How much should you limit running games or a bounce house?
Ask about tag, relay races and bounce-house time specifically. Tell the parent whether these activities are outdoors and ask whether cold outdoor air affects the arrangements. Confirm any limits, breaks or alternatives they want for their child.
For example, if the family asks for an alternative to running, you could have drawing supplies or a seated guessing game available. Present it as another activity guests can join, rather than announcing why one child needs it. These are party suggestions, not a prescribed activity plan.
Agree how to check in with the child without singling them out. You might quietly ask, “Would you like to keep playing or join the drawing table?” Adjust the wording and options to what the family has requested. The party safety guide can help with broader space and supervision arrangements.
What’s the plan if symptoms start during the party?
Get the family’s written instructions before the party and agree which adult will be responsible for following them. Ask the parent to clarify any steps that adult does not understand, including when to contact the family or seek emergency help. This page provides questions and party notes, not treatment instructions.
Confirm whether the child brings a rescue inhaler or other supplies, where they will stay and who needs access. Name the adult who knows the location. If another adult takes over supervision, pass on the family’s instructions and the access arrangement too.
For a drop-off party, read the notes back with the parent at arrival and confirm the contact number. The drop-off allergy communication guide offers a written-handoff approach for a guest who also has an allergy; asthma instructions must come from this child’s family.
Ask whether the parent would like a mid-party text and what to include. Do not treat a routine update as the response to symptoms. Check whether photos are welcome before sending one.
When to confirm the party arrangements
These are suggested preparation checkpoints, not a timed party schedule. If you have less time, use last-minute party planning to simplify the celebration while you confirm the family’s answers.
- About one week before: Ask all five questions, describe the activities and space, and request the family’s individual instructions.
- About three days before: Confirm requested decoration changes, pet arrangements and activity alternatives. Tell the family if the venue or activities have changed.
- On party morning and at arrival: Check the setup against your notes. Confirm any inhaler or supplies that the family said would come, their location and the named adult’s access.
- During the party: Use the agreed breaks and check-in arrangements. Make sure any adult taking over knows the family’s instructions.
Notes to fill in with the parent
Print this table and record only the details needed for the party. Keep the notes with the responsible adult rather than displaying the child’s medical information to guests.
| Detail to confirm | Family’s answer or agreed arrangement |
|---|---|
| Child’s name and party date | ________________________________________ |
| Parent staying or dropping off | ________________________________________ |
| Parent’s name and reachable phone number | ________________________________________ |
| Other contact if the parent cannot be reached | ________________________________________ |
| Things to avoid or change: decorations, pets, smoke, fragrance, outdoor conditions | ________________________________________ |
| Activities to change, breaks or alternatives | ________________________________________ |
| Inhaler or supplies coming with the child | ________________________________________ |
| Agreed location and who needs access | ________________________________________ |
| Adult responsible; adult taking over if needed | ________________________________________ |
| Where the family’s written instructions are kept | ________________________________________ |
| Mid-party text requested; what to include | ________________________________________ |
| Changes still to confirm with the family | ________________________________________ |
Before guests arrive, check what you have confirmed:
- The parent has reviewed the actual decorations, environment and activities.
- Requested changes and alternatives are arranged.
- The supervising adult has the family’s written instructions and understands them.
- The inhaler or supplies arrangement has been confirmed, including location and access.
- A reachable family contact and any agreed check-in are recorded.
If the same child has other needs, the allergy-aware party planning guide can help you consider food and favors alongside these notes. Keep the family’s specific answers together so an adult does not have to search several message threads during the party.
Checkmarks are not saved. They record what you have confirmed, not a medical assessment.
Questions about hosting a child with asthma
What’s the first question to ask?
Ask what the family wants you to avoid or change for their child, then describe the actual space and activities. Keep their answer with the party notes.
Should I avoid balloons?
Tell the parent which balloons and decorations you intend to use and ask whether they need to change. Do not assume that having asthma means having a latex allergy, or that a substitute suits every guest.
Do I need to limit running games?
Ask about the planned games and follow the family’s individual guidance. Confirm any breaks or alternatives before the party instead of imposing the same limits on every child with asthma.
Where should the rescue inhaler stay?
Agree on its location and who needs access with the parent. Write down the arrangement and confirm it with the supervising adult at arrival.
Should I send a mid-party text?
Ask whether the parent wants one and what they would like to hear about. An agreed check-in is separate from the family’s instructions for symptoms. Check before sending photos.
Should I mention a grill or fire pit?
Yes. Tell the parent if either will be in use and where activities will happen, so they can tell you whether the arrangements need to change for their child.