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Original poster

Would this be weird...? Welcome party for dd

24 replies

NoSparkleLeft · 03/05/2019 11:07

Dd year 1 moved to a new school couple weeks ago. She is enjoying it but only been invited on one play date so far.
I only know a couple of the parents there. Would it be strange to have a party? If we had the space I’d invite the class (small class btw) to our house but if we did a party would need to book somewhere.
Just thought if I could meet the parents and kids there could the ice a bit? But might be a bit odd?

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 03/05/2019 11:08

I'd just invite some over for play dates Tbh, when is her birthday?

Original poster
NoSparkleLeft · 03/05/2019 11:16

Birthday earlier in year. But could do some play dates

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 03/05/2019 11:18

See who she likes so far, and who you know so far. Try and arrange some for the scho holidays - do you live near the school?

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EvaHarknessRose · 03/05/2019 11:19

What about suggesting a meet up at a local park or similar, offering your house as a backup in case of bad weather?

Hollowvictory · 03/05/2019 11:20

Have a bbq invite parents as well, you'll get to know people. Or a coffee and cakes morning. I did stuff like this when we moved, it worked.

SoupDragon · 03/05/2019 11:21

How many play dates have you invited children over for? I think that might be a better way to start. I think a party might be a bit OTT.

Or arrange a class get together at a park or something.

SunnyDaysShadyCorners · 03/05/2019 11:24

A new girl started in DD's year. She hosted a 'Mega Play Date' and invited all the girls in the year. They had a great time and it very much had a party vibe. I thought it was a really lovely idea!

Stormwhale · 03/05/2019 11:25

I would say yes to something like this if dd was invited. It doesn't come across as pretentious or anything. Everyone raised eyebrows at the Easter party one parent threw recently as it seemed very much a "look how much money I have" sort of thing, whereas if you worded the invite right i think this could be nice.

Alienspaceship · 03/05/2019 11:28

If you want to facilitate friendships then asking classmates over to play on a one to one basis is best. Don’t think about whether they are reciprocated or not - that’s irrelevant.

Original poster
NoSparkleLeft · 03/05/2019 11:34

I had thought about just invited the girls only but wasn’t sure if that would come across badly?
Mega play date! Sounds chaos but fun :)

OP posts:
Aprillygirl · 03/05/2019 11:58

I don't think one playdate in 2 weeks is a bad start OP. I would be more inclined to just let friendships develop organically for now,and then maybe a barbecue in the summer holidays would be a nice idea.

fecketyfeck21 · 03/05/2019 11:58

i'd go with the play date offers too, the mega party sounds fun but could be seen as a bit ott.

Hollowvictory · 03/05/2019 12:19

Lol that people raise eyebrows when invited to an Easter party. Not a fun crowd round that way!
In total this year have 4 partiez. I like having parties and people like coming. I'll also go to several parties. We like to have fun!

SleepingStandingUp · 03/05/2019 14:03

Doesn't sound like it's about the party Hollow so much as someone showing off just to show off

Hollowvictory · 03/05/2019 14:04

But how is having an Easter party showing off? 🐣

SleepingStandingUp · 03/05/2019 14:12

You'll have to ask Stormwhe but really it doesn't take much imagination to work out how to show off to people about how rich you are with an ostentatious show of money

Hollowvictory · 03/05/2019 14:17

I was thinking food, drinks, Easter egg hunt. Maybe it was mega more than that, perhaps they hired ariana grande or cirque du soleil

SleepingStandingUp · 03/05/2019 14:19

I'm thinking an extra agent Easter egg hunt plus a huge pile of eggs for the winner, a petting farm in the garden, waiters dressed as bunnies, a non alcoholic cocktail bar

Hollowvictory · 03/05/2019 14:21

I'm loving that event! Plus a free bunny to take home as a parting gift

ImNotHappyaboutitPauline · 03/05/2019 14:22

Some people would see a party as a bit "try hard" or "showing off". I know that's unfair but people can be funny, see MN threads for details Wink!

I'd start off with play dates with the children she gets on with. You'll gradually get to know more of the parents through pick ups, drop offs and hopefully reciprocal play dates and maybe then consider doing a party or bbq so you and they all get to know each other better/solidify friendships?

Also, look at after school clubs/activities she could join so she's not dependent on just her class mates. I always think it's good for dc to have various friendship groups so they're not as badly effected by the inevitable break ups/falling out that happen with childhood friends.

BlueMerchant · 03/05/2019 14:22

I think it's a bit much tbh.
You don't want to seem too full-on and OTT. My DD who is 8 would cringe at being the star of 'the new girl's' party (maybe that's her age and personality) and hosting a party doesn't necessarily mean popularity and a host of friends for DD.
I'd rather stick to playdates.

SleepingStandingUp · 03/05/2019 14:48

Omg Hollow yes!! Party bag of a baby bunny, starter hutch abd a bunch of carrots

Stormwhale · 03/05/2019 14:49

Hollow - I think it was that the party wasnt just a get together at home, but a full on hired out a venue, huge inflatables, entertainments etc. Plus it was on actual Easter Sunday which didn't go down well with a lot of families as I think for most, Easter Sunday is family time.

TheGrey1houndSpeaks · 03/05/2019 14:52

A welcome party for your dd? I hope you’re not going to call it that in the invitations, op! It does rather come across as “Gather round everybody - I’ve arrived!!”
Just do play dates like everyone else...

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