Early 5th birthday advice

[starfish8]

My son has just started reception and has only gone over with a couple of girls from nursery (not his friends he just knows them).

His birthday is towards the end of October and I'm overly worrying about the best approach for some kind of party for him. I absolutely do not want to go down the all class party and ideally would like a few friends around our house for Halloween games and food.

He's got a handful of good friends from the nursery he's just left he could invite, but I think it's eventually likely he'll lose touch with these friends (as I'm not friends with their mums - not like ante natal etc). I don't know if it's better for him to move on and focus on his new cohort.

My son is an only child so naturally likes playing a lot on his own, I'm already worried about him settling into school and making friends. He'll be fine, but I wonder if he will know anyone well enough to invite for a house party?

Can anyone offer some advice as many of you must have been through the same for autumn born children. Thanks!

[sleepismysuperpower1]

we did go through this- and we had a whole class party. its sometimes the best option in these circumstances, because it gives him time to make new friends etc. in reception, especially this early into the term, its unlikely that he has made any really close friends (or at least, that was my experience). it doesn't have to be expensive, you could hire a church hall and have DIY activities (pass the pumpkin, pin the boo on the ghost, a pinata etc.) it also gave me an opportunity to meet other parents. it may be worth considering it.

all the best x

[starfish8]

Thanks. I’ve got a heavy project on with work at the moment and travel to and from London so it’s really not an option. I would be up for DIY activities though, I ran a pirate party myself last year.

Any other thoughts mumsnetters?

[LongPinkBanana]

OP - I absolutely don't want to have a whole class party
Answer - Have a whole class party



OP - you'll be amazed how quickly he identifies children that he'd like to have at a party. Give it a few weeks then tell him he can invite 5 or 6. Even if he hasn't made any best buddies he'll know who he likes by then.

My son's birthday is Sept 16, so we always had the same problem, and it was always fine.

[sleepismysuperpower1]

sorry, i know it was unhelpful, it was just my experience. all the best x

[ImogenTubbs]

Are there any other children who have birthdays around a similar time? Maybe you could group together a hire a soft play soft of thing. It's hell on earth for adults, obviously, but the kids go crazy for it and it means you have to do minimal effort but everyone gets to be invited. You might also meet some other parents that you get on with.

Or you could ask the teacher who he enjoys playing with and just invite them.

[starfish8]

Thanks Longpinkbanana, I’ll see how he gets on and can make my mind up towards the end of September.

I’m probably overly worrying about it!

[starfish8]

Thanks Imogentubbs - Soft play

I think we’ve decided today to pencil in a date for a smaller Halloween party at ours. If he can’t name some kids to invite then we’ll plan a day out instead.

He’s now having a scooter (‘big present’) in lieu of him having a big party which is a present in itself.

[shouldwestayorshouldwego]

I would also ask the teachers. It is in their interests to encourage social relationships too. I just said how many roughly I wanted to invite and they identified with my dc a few who they got on well with. Do be aware that parties around half term sometimes aren't as well attended as families might be away.

[starfish8]

Thanks that’s a good idea. I’m really only wanting a handful between nursery and school friends so hoping we’ll be alright.

[notsurewhatshappening]

My DS has an October birthday. There will be 10 kids including him and his sister at his 5th birthday party. It's at home so we've kept it small. A couple of pre school friends, 3 from his class he knew already and a couple of youngest siblings of my daughter's friends. We've done hall parties before but never went over 20 (that was a joint party). I'm a teacher too! Over 30 is a lot to manage if their parents drop them off. Toilets, arguments over sweets etc... plus a lot of catering.
Keep it small and just invite the children you know.

[ritzbiscuits]

Thanks, since my post we've arranged a party at home this year. Mix of nursery, school friends and a couple of neighbours kids, there will be 8 in total which feels about right.