To think this is OTT for a child’s party

Why do you feel the need to judge this parent? Maybe they are super crafty? Maybe they have been planning for months? Maybe they had help from family members? Maybe they just wanted to make the party really, really special for their child?

I would be SO insulted if I’d invited folk to a party and they wanted to judge me for what was offered. Would you be criticising if there hadn’t been enough decor?

I know you’ve admitted you were ott but seriously, if this is what you spend your days worrying about maybe you should take up crafting?!

Please don't let one spiteful parent put you off. Do you, your child will absolutely love it and so will their friends.

You are my kind of mum, and isn't it fun?! Cheers to you.

It sounds gorgeous. Some people are more creative than others, and really enjoy things like this.
I held big hall parties when my kids were young. I didn't go big on decorations but I made lots of themed food, cakes etc. myself instead of buying it. It took hours. I wasn't showing off, I just loved it, and so did my children. Really happy memories.
Don't be jealous and bitter, which is what you sound.
Just be grateful for a fab party.

Perhaps the parents had adopted their child or had a struggle having their child naturally and are just overjoyed to be a parent and have the opportunity to make a beautiful party for their child and others to enjoy.

what a miserable thread

It's quite ironic really, the fact that they went to all that effort probably meant it was effortless- something they loved spending the time creating.

If it was really that much effort for them they probably wouldn't have done it.

Different people value different things.

Why do you care? And you do sound strangely triggered by it. Maybe delve into why this has got on your wick so much.

I throw ‘hall parties’ for my daughter and do admittedly spend months of preparation in researching and preparing everything to her chosen theme for that year. I’m a single parent so it is more cost effective to do everything myself.

I also don’t post my daughter on social media so it certainly isn’t for any credit there. I don’t think making my daughter feel on top of the world by seeing how much love and effort I’ve put into her party is out of touch. I do however recognise that she is an only child and I probably wouldn’t have the time/energy if I had multiple children to throw parties for each year.

Aw, I think it’s cute! I did a similar party when DD1 was 4. Jungle themed too with hand made decorations, jungle lunchboxes with jungle themed food. Jungle balloons blown with helium as a table runner. I had more time on my hands as I was on maternity leave and DD loved picking the bits with me and helped me make some.
We’ve been to more extravagant parties with freshly cooked hot Chinese food, Prosecco for adults etc, and more basic ones. I guess it just depends what parents have the time and energy for 🥰

None of your business.

"Waste their time on".

You can't help yourself...

Really, really unpleasant.

I know a lot of people that find crafting in the evenings relaxing. They are no more worth judgement than those that relax with wine or Love Island.

Maybe her love language is acts of service and she got a lot of pleasure doing this for her DC.

I bet she thought it was a lovely use of her time.

The trick is to admire, then move on.
Some other parent doing stuff doesn't mean you need to do it too.
That's it. Just enjoy the experience, thank the parent for a great party, and move on with your own life.
If your kid starts to whinge they also want the same, you explain that your family does this thing your own way.

Jesus how judgmental.

For what it's worth I also go all out on my kids parties and I have a full time (considered stressful) job. It brings me joy to do these things for my children.

They probably don't remember the earlier years but recently my 10 year old told me that I throw the best parties and that made me very happy.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

And your point is what????.

So what. If they want to make an ott effort why is that an issue to you? You went, let your kid eat their food and play. Where's the harm?

You sound envious, maybe you're not, but taking offence at someone else's lovingly decorated setting for their child's party is definitely very weird.

I go all out for my four children. Everything you have mentioned above as standard plus themed favours a two tier cake, ive had photo booths, themed photo areas, to be homest the list that comes to mind is huge, its not because i am showing off to anyone i start planning very early, make a lot myself. I do it because i had absolutley nothing growing up, i had truly negligent parents. So when i got my chance to make a fuss of my own children after a cancer battle and some truly horrific childhood illnesses for two of mine, i decided that i would give them birthdays they would always remember and know that they where made to feel so so special on their special day because trust me you never know how many birthdays are left. You really cant judge what someone else wants to do for their child, even the cost side, that parent could start saving the day after the party for another whole year.

we make a real fuss of every guest and food for the parents we want everyone to go home having had a brilliant time with our family

also our eldest is 17 and she has been over the big parties for years you really do only get a small window for those types of things, its an amazing time, then they grow up and just want to do something like a day out with a few friends

I would and have done this but....my child is a miracle baby and will be the only child I ever give birth to. We don't always know what is going on behind the scenes.

Short answer - you can do what you want for your child.
So can anyone else. I imagine the parents have had as much fun as the child. And so be it. You don't do what you don't want to and just get on with it.

Hmmm…

We took our children to National Trust properties on a regular basis when they were young. They are now well into their teenage years and contrary to your comment, are doing absolutely fine - what a ridiculous thing to say! Oh, and I’m not sure what a ‘twee’ parent is - clearly some silly name you use when parents want to actually spend quality time with their kids, instead of leaving them in their rooms to do what the hell they like 🤷‍♀️

You do you - just don’t put others down who actually want to be present in their childrens childhood 🙄

My mum used to create the most amazing decorations for my birthday parties. Every single year, she would put in so much effort, often staying up late the night before just to make sure everything was perfect by the time I woke up. I remember rooms filled with balloons, fake snow, and so much more—it was pure MAGIC.
Yes, it was a lot of work, but she enjoyed doing it. Looking back, I hardly remember the gifts, but the decorations and how they made me feel are memories I’ll never forget. My sister feels the same way. Now, I try to bring that same magic to my own children’s celebrations, knowing that some kids really do treasure these moments.
You could argue that, at four, they might not remember—or maybe they will, and it could become one of their very first special memories.

Different people show love in different ways.
I think it’s brilliant.
that child is going to grow up remembering the effort their parents put in for them.
my eldest is 15 now and he remembers every terrible world book day costume I made for him and the love that was made with.
It’s not like the parent just splashed a load of cash.
you sound bitter and jealous

You really think the primary motivation for doing a fabulous party for your child is to out do other parents?
Interesting perspective 🤔

The saddest part is parents trying to do the party bigger and better than anyone else. It's all for show on social media.