Make A List Of Damages: This document should state that following are only damages found throughout apartment. Once signed by both you and landlord, list will prevent landlord from deciding to keep more of your security deposit for damages that occur after you’ve moved out. The document will also prevent your landlord from claiming damages are worse than they actually were when you left.

Give Your Landlord Your Forwarding Address: This step is INCREDIBLY important. Forgetting to leave a forwarding address could lead to credit problems or worse! You will also need to contact your main post office. For more advice on redirecting your mail, click here.

Return Your Keys: Your landlord will ask for any copies of keys made to your apartment. Don’t forget about that one you made for your best friend, or one you hid in your glove box. Your landlord may charge a fee for each day you keep keys past due date.

By doing all these things, terminating your lease should be simple and successful.

DUPLICATE GIFT DILEMMA If there's a gift receipt attached from a thoughtful parent, you're golden. Otherwise, don't get into it with another parent unless you can do so without causing offense. You can try just returning gift for store credit, if you know where it was purchased. Or, stash it away with name of original gift-giver taped to it. This way you can recycle gift, making sure it goes to an entirely new (and hopefully appreciative) child.

THANK YOU NOTES Thank you notes are an excellent way to promote good manners and appreciation in your children. Not only are they important social skill builders, they foster good writing and creativity as well. Kids will learn to enjoy writing thank you cards if you make it a fun project by using colorful note cards and glittery gel pens or let them design their own on computer.

For younger children, it's OK for parent to write note and have party child sign it. The party child could even draw a picture which Mom or Dad can copy and send as a thank you. The "fill-in-the-blanks" type thank you note are a great alternative too. Another super idea is to include a picture of guest taken with party child along with thank you note.

Incidentally, it's critical to keep a careful list of who-gave-what so thank you notes can be sent without mix-ups.

CAN PARENTS STAY? If you're unsure if you can accompany your child to a party, just be up front with parents beforehand and ask what their party plans are. The RSVP call is a great time to ask questions. Most parents of younger children know some kids are more comfortable with their parents around and plan accordingly. (A pot of coffee and extra cake or munchies for adults.) Most parents will offer to help if they stay an extra bonus for host/hostess!

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of www.Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

For all the latest party news, read her kids party blog at "http://www.kids-party-paradise-blog.blogspot.com" Copyright 2004 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved