Hosting my first children's party tomorrow

[LMW1990]

Tomorrow my DSD 9 is having two friends round for her birthday. DP is taking DSS (at my suggestion) out so I'll be going solo!! This is my first kids 'party' and I'm having a mini panic!

DSD and I have a brilliant relationship and she asked me to host the party. For her birthday she asked for a make up set and nail kit - it's the first time she's shown any interest in this kind of thing - so she can get ready like me! DP and I have bought her a kids first makeup set and nail art kit which she wants to use (with parents permission) tomorrow with her friends. We're also going to make necklaces and bracelets that they can take home. I'm a crafter so I feel comfortable with this. DSD also wants to watch a film so I've got snacks. DP is going to get McD’s as a treat for them.

I don't know why I'm panicking so much! I want them to have a good time and not be bored!

Have I missed anything? Am I overthinking?

Please Come back and let us know how it goes op.

Well they survived and had a good time (at least they said they did ha ha). They crafted and all had things to take home. They took home cake and a little party bag with sweets and lipgloss in, which I hurriedly made up this morning!

They were a lovely bunch. They played just dance and watched a film together. They had McD’s earlier on but some were hungry later so I gave them fish fingers and beans. Parents seemed pleased they'd be fed on collection!

DSD really enjoyed herself. A year ago she would have been completely overwhelmed and probably asked them to leave after an hour or so. I'm so proud of her as I know social situations can really push her outside of her comfort zone.

DSS also enjoyed the attention from the older girls!

for me now. Both kiddie winks shattered and in bed.

Thanks all for your moral support! I'm always a bit nervous not being their mum etc.

You did well op. Am sure everyone was delighted with the party it sounds great. You deserve your wine!

Aww you sound lovely OP!!

I actually now can't wait for the day she is ready for a sleepover!

And it's been a great opportunity to interact with the mums. I have numbers now and it's given me the confidence to text and invite the girls for tea now and then. I'm really keen on both DSC being comfortable here and this being a home to them. We have them 50/50 (some weeks more) so I think that's super important. We recently moved closer to school for the very reason that I want them to foster good friendships, attend group stuff and generally have less stress getting to school. We lived too far away previously to have had a house party like this so the move has paid off already in my eyes!

Well done op!

I wish more step parents tried this hard. I have experience of both: evil step mother and such a wonderful step father, he put my own dad to shame.

@LMW1990 It's really lovely seeing how you talk about her, not just wanting it to go well etc but how excited you are, commenting on how grown up she is for realising she wasn't ready for a sleep over, how proud you are with how she did today

I hope that doesn't sound... Patronising? I don't know, but it's 100% genuine ♥️ I was in two minds whether to comment, but it really does come across so lovely that I just had to

@KellyHall I have a wonderful step father and I've learnt from him how best to deal wit being a step parent. Being in a relationship with someone who has children isn't for everyone, but I think if you make that choice you should put your heart and soul into it. My life completely revolves around my DSC and I get as much out of it as I put in.

@TellMeItsNotTrue thank you. That's made my day and I'm quite tearful now it really means a lot to know you're doing a good job. I am very very lucky to have such wonderful DSC and for them to have built such a brilliant relationship with me. I'm not here to replace their DM and I respect her immensely and the boundaries that go with it all. I get the best of both worlds. I like to think I'm a friend and, when required confidant - something I hope will continue as they grow up. And it goes without saying that I love them to pieces!