It’s my DD’s 7th birthday in a couple of weeks. But there is a twist - she has terrible form for coping at birthday parties - particularly hers but anyone else’s too.
She’s highly sensitive and possibly neurodivergent. She wants to do all the things with all the people, but it’s just too overwhelming for her. For her 5th birthday, at her request, we had a village hall do for 40 with friends, family and an entertainer. She was absolutely terrified the whole time and ended up hiding. This was the first party post-Covid so we had no idea she’s be like this not having been to one in 1.5 years. For her 6th we had 10 at home - again totally overwhelmed and had a tantrum. On both occasions I put so so much time and energy into the party and it was soul destroying to have got it so wrong.
This time I’ve said no party. She’s instead asked to invite 3 girls over to our house which I’ve agreed to. I’ve framed as a play date to the girl’s mums (though they know it’s her birthday). My DD does want a party vibe and games though - pass the parcel, musical statues etc. So now I’m confused - do I go full on party plan, or do I let the 4 of them just play (have a quiet disco space with lights, mics and dressing up) etc and ask if they want to play the occasional game? Perhaps ending with a film? Do I start with a craft and if so what?
Basically, how do I make this (appear) low effort and casual, but still give them a great time and hopefully not have another birthday ruined. Help!