To think this is OTT for a child’s party

I think it’s rude to say the parent is out of touch because they chose to spend their time making decorations some people are crafty. I’d love to have the time, energy and creativity to make my own decorations.

I actually think you’re being pretty mean , for my daughters filth birthday she wanted a princess party , me and the neighbour collected boxes for weeks and we drew and painted a giant pink castle that went all around the room so it looked like the party was held in a castle , we made a rapunzle with hair dangling down from the window , all hand made all took weeks , my daughter her cousins and her friends from reception had an amazing party all came fancy dress and I still have the photos on my wall , she’s now 19 . This is a memory for the parents and memories for the kids , it isn’t to your liking sure but why say she’s out of touch it’s just mean.

Waste their time on???? They probably enjoyed doing it all! I spent weeks making things for my daughter’s 4th birthday party. I absolutely loved it! Why has it affected you so much op that someone has put so much effort into a birthday party?

I think in this situation it's the exact opposite. Surely there's a very narrow window in a child's life where they want a party in a hall and would be really excited by homemade under the sea decorations, so make the most while you can!

You sound really mean. They obviously put a lot of effort in- hall parties often require a lot of effort on the parent’s behalf to make them good. I am lazy for parties- I like an organised activity where I don’t have to do much other than food. However, the family in your post put a lot of effort in to make something look nice and to do something nice for the children attending and you’ve come on here to bitch about it. Your child might not care now at 4 but I bet they’ve got some awesome photos and a sense of satisfaction from the theming.

What a delight you sound OP

Why would the child continue to demand more and more? 🤔
A few homemade decorations at their party won’t change well adjusted children into Verucca Salt.

I think yanbu op. Hopelessly OTT for a 5yo. And yes obviously I know its totally the parents choice and up to them but my query in situations like this is always - if you go to all that effort for a 5yo (huge expensive gifts, very fancy party or trips to Disneyland etc) what will you need to do to please your child as the child gets older and expects more and more?

I just couldn’t get worked up about someone putting a lot of effort in to something for their child

I don’t understand the problem. I would probably have said “wow amazing they made this” - because it sounds pretty impressive.
I am trying to be more environmentally conscious and there are a lot of things we don’t do doce our children because of it (eg. No balloons) but there’s a time and a place and it’s their child after all

would I personally do this? No

would I bitch about it? No wtf

I love children's parties. I would throw lavish ones. Lots of decorations - themes, mad cakes, party bags etc. I loved the planning, the execution of it and seeing the kids faces. I wasn't out of touch, I wasn't looking to impress anyone other than my kids and their friends. Some people love parties. Stop being judging - did your child have fun?

Broke my heart when the children grew out of parties. They were never a chore for me

Sounds lovely and I'm guessing the mother maybe enjoyed putting it all together.
My thing was a handful of kids invited to my sons party and coming up with something different to party bags.

Exactly. I bet that it was fun making it. I love a bit of creativity.

I don't doubt that many children are perfectly happy with a much simpler sort of party, and it's ok not to go all out like this parent did, but how lovely for your child to get an invite to something that looks beautiful and that their parent most likely enjoyed spending their time and money on.

DH used to do this - he'd make it all with DC and really enjoy it. Do you think building sandcastles is a mad waste of effort too? It is fun to create something beautiful and temporary - and as PP said it is a hobby - better than everyone being on an ipad every evening surely?

How about you took your child to a party, where the parents had gone to a lot of effort to make it very special for this child and guests? This is so bitchy, OP.

What an unpleasant post. It really comes across as very unkind. The mum was nice enough to host you and your child at their child's party and you turn to mumsnet to post a sneezy, unpleasant thread about her.

Haven't read the full thread, but this mum/dad sounds just like me 😊. I love love love getting ready for my children's birthday parties! I love planning them, getting the decorations, getting the take home bags ready etc.. I'm rubbish at crafts so wouldn't have been able to make stuff like the person in your OP, but if I was capable, I certainly would!

What is sad is that every time I plan a birthday or other party for one of my children, I start thinking and worrying about the judgement "am I being too much?" "Will the other mum's think this is OTT?", "maybe I should tone it down so I'm not judged/hated/talked about?.."

I really enjoy seeing the children that come to our parties smiling and happy and having fun! My children often choose expensive activities and while I could easily say no, I often want to say yes. But I am always mindful to try and stay within the realms of normal so other mum's don't judge! I also try really really hard to stop myself getting expensive or OTT take home presents because I fear being talked about 😥 It's not that we have loads of cash to splash, it's just that I really enjoy planning and putting on fun activities for my children! and getting fun take home pressies! I want my children's lives to be full of so much fun 😊 and I love seeing them and all their friends enjoying themselves.

How I choose to.parent my children may be different from.others, but it's my way! I'm not aiming to bring any hate or hurt, so I wish people wouldn't judge! I expect this poor person that made all those decorations was just having fun and doing her best. Sad she has been judged when she's done nothing wrong :(

As I often find myself saying on Mumsnet these days - wouldn't it be nice if we could all support each other more, tolerate individual difference better, and judge less. Life would be so much easier ...

You better check MN after the party😄. I think most parents are just in awe like me. Like I would envy your capabilities and admire your investment but I wouldn't think it to be ott. We all have got different abilities and mine is definitely not decorating 😅

Only if they’re spiteful like the OP

I hate doing decorations but some people love that stuff so I bet you the mum really enjoyed doing all that. It's not a competition so you don't have to think about doing the same and you don't have to think it's ott because as I said the mum must really love decorating and being good at it (wish I was😊)

My 22 year old godson was actually saying the other day he remembers his 4th where we went to town on the streamers and decorations - he loved the memory!

Oh god this has got me worried now. It’s my dc’s 4th birthday next weekend and I’ve made loads of effort for their party 😳 it’s their first ever party and I want to make it special, hopefully the parents won’t be judging me !

Sounds like they went to a huge amount of effort to give some young kids a wonderful afternoon. I think that sounds very kind and thoughtful of them.

Very mean spirited. I bet it looked amazing.

How delightful everything was handmade. Actually awesome. I would have loved this. I don't have the skill or time to do it, but I admire those that can.