Make it believable. Turn hall or main area into gotham city. Put a table in center of room and a large box guarded by 2 grown ups dressed in uniform. Arm them with water pistols. Give each guest a disposable raincoat if possible. Or at least get them prepared to get wet during this birthday party. Advise them to bring spare clothes.

Now get a grown up, preferably birthday child's father, to dress as Batman in a Batman costume. Get another grown up, or a few grown ups to dress as Batman villians. Set up bat signal in center of room.

Turn one of rooms into Batcave, make it look like batcave in Batman movies. Close door of that room, do not allow guests access to that room until time is right.

Consider this. Our relationship with our home is most personal nonhuman relationship we may ever have. Home is something we “provide” for ourselves and our loved ones. It offers control over our physical setting and our leisure. It provides security and independence. In best-case scenario, home is our sanctuary. The psychology of housing decision-making is rooted in our housing past. That history starts with childhood dreams of a safe, secure, happy home, dreams that persist long into adulthood. Identifying childhood relationships to home will help give you insight into your current feelings, and even what may be holding you hostage about your decision. The goal, however, is a home that fully reflects your adult values rather than needs mired in your childhood.

In addition, everyone has a “housing profile.” Discover yours and you are on your way to making a smart decision, whether that decision involves buying, selling, remodeling or investing in another home.

Your unique housing profile consists of four areas: