Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

To really, really not want ds to have a party at home?

26 replies

Itsnotahoover · 23/02/2013 08:29

Ds will be 7 in a few weeks, and initially said he didn't want a party, but has now changed his mind and asked if he can have a few friends at home for a party. I'm filled with complete terror at this idea!! I HATE being in charge of other people's kids and the thought of 5 or 6 7 year olds running round my house brings me out in a cold sweat.

I've suggested that we go to soft play, or bowling or the cinema, but have been met with "Boring!" at that idea. I don't really know any of the mums of the kids in his class and, as yet, he's had no play dates at other kid's houses or asked for any to come here.

HELP!!! What o I do with a house full of children? What if they don't listen to me??

OP posts:

RandomMess · 23/02/2013 08:32

Limit it to 3 friends as 4 in total is an ok number.

Ask DS for ideas of what to do?

I've done where they made their own pizzas before (put topping on).

Keep it short - 1.5 hours max. Get them something like lego in the party bags and if need be dish them out early so they can get busy building them.

LifeIsBetterInFlipFlops · 23/02/2013 08:45

As Random said, limit the number and have games planned. I love it and think the memories will last longer than booking a play venue or whatever.

Go go for a theme, say Star Wars or pirates, and put decorations up accordingly, and do a themed cake...I'm not a great cook, just bake a cake and put Star Wars figures on it.

Play old fashioned games, pass the parcel (Pound Shop for fillers), musical statues, tail on the donkey.

Take some photos, have a set pick-up time and enjoy.

Original poster

Itsnotahoover · 23/02/2013 08:53

I think what I'm most worried about is that ds has a habit of getting silly, showing off and not listening in the company of other children, and if he plays up, what chance have I got of having any control over the rest? I'm panicking that I'll end up rocking in a corner with a hip flask full of vodka while the children run amok!! Lol

OP posts:

RandomMess · 23/02/2013 08:57

You do have the option to say no. YOu can have a trip to the cinema or bowling or soft play or nothing your choice. Or a day trip somewhere with 1 friend?

neontetra · 23/02/2013 09:00

Could you try to get some of the other parents to stay? Or have you a friend or family member who might come and help supervise? I would hate this, but would do it for a good mate!

HollyBerryBush · 23/02/2013 09:02

Never in this lifetime would I have a house party!

LifeIsBetterInFlipFlops · 23/02/2013 09:04

Could you not discuss with him beforehand - how he should or shouldn't behave? I wouldn't worry about not having control over him or the others, just keep them entertained and if there is (although there might not be) any unruly behaviour - just tell them. They are all still very young and are used to doing what they are told at school.

Honestly though, I think you're worrying too much...I've never had a problem.

Startail · 23/02/2013 09:05

Yes, you need another adult, preferably a mum who knows the DCs a bit.
You can't sort food and keep an eye on them all.

The taller and more imposing the better.

(A huge thank you to a certain tall, sporty mum for sterling bouncy castle minding service)

carabos · 23/02/2013 09:06

Just say no.

Smartiepants79 · 23/02/2013 09:06

Was going to say get some adult back up definitely.
Theme is a good idea, what is your son into?
Have some games, treasure hunt, craft or easy cooking ready. Pizza is a good call or by some digestives and icing etc..
At the end of the day it is up to you if he has a party I agree with randomess on this one!

aufaniae · 23/02/2013 09:09

Can you have a go at finding other activities in the area. Whereabouts do you live? Maybe we can come up with some suggestions?

If you do end up doing it at home, get at least 1 other adult to help, ideally 2 for a less stressful time!

northcountrygirl · 23/02/2013 09:18

I did it once. Wouldn't do it again to be honest.

The best party we had was roller blading at the local YMCA. We did our own food and everyone really enjoyed it. We've done that twice now and they want to the same again this year.

Last year we hired a small independent cinema which was good but you'd need to increase the numbers to make it cost effective.

Soft play is good too but I think mine did grow out of that at 7 too. I've been to parties in a hired hall but my youngest daughter gets a bit self conscious with those as she feels a bit shy dancing so they're not always for everyone.

ben5 · 23/02/2013 09:21

both my boys have had parties at home for the last couple of years and for a couple of hours my house has been full of kids. we played no games but we had the wii and playstation set up. they were happy just playing with each other. I left food on the table and they could eat when they wanted. A couple of mums stayed and we all had a glass of wine. when most kids left ( I've had upto 25 kids before!!) the few parents that stayed through the party stayed and we had some more grape juice!!! The kids on a hole are well beaved and there wasn't really that much mess. relax and enjoy, you'll be surprised

HollyBerryBush · 23/02/2013 09:22

What about a swimming party? They are usually capped at 10 or 15 children.

A lot of our suggestions may or many not be within your finances.

In my book, 3 kids round for tea, does not make a party. That would be one short game of musical chairs

Original poster

Itsnotahoover · 23/02/2013 09:29

He really doesn't want to go anywhere and initially said he didn't want a party at all. Cost is not a major factor but I've only got 3 weeks to arrange something!

He's massively into Minecraft at the minute, so maybe if I limit it to 3 friends, they could play 4 player on the Xbox? Get them making their own pizzas maybe and that should kill some time.

None of the other mums really talk to me! I live in a little village, and, until recently, didn't do drop off or pick up as my job meant I had to use childcare. Now I do this myself, I'm finding they all ignore me as I'm not part of the little groups that have formed. Doesn't bother me too much but would be nice sometimes if I had at least one mummy friend I coud call upon to help!

OP posts:

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 23/02/2013 09:31

For the last 3 years I have invited 4 of DD1 (8) friends to play, I have warned that it was NOT a party in advance. I provided cake or pancake, smoothies, they play, no party bags, no entertainment, a few minor incident to deal with, once they all agreed to watch the same movie together, once everybody fell ill and only one showed up and DH took them both iceskating, once we all painted together, once they help make the pancakes.
Works perfectly well everybody is happy and relaxed.
I can MN and/or looked after DD2.

HollyBerryBush · 23/02/2013 09:31

You could use this as an opportunity to get to know people.

thewhistler · 23/02/2013 09:41

Invite 3 or 4,.at least one won't come, and have the cava opened by the front door so that when the mums arrive they are greeted with friendliness. Some coukd stay throughout. Two other bottles in the fridge to greet the pickers up and you'll have school gate chums.

Make pizza, have the electronic games, then two party games to end up. The mums will approve of the cava and party games, the kids will love it.

cory · 23/02/2013 12:15

We always used to do at home parties to limit the cost, plus we didn't drive so found it difficult to get to venues. What worked for us was a strict time limit of 2 hours, and a Plan.

Something along these lines:

2 o'clock. First arrivals. Activity such as biscuit decorating to keep the early comers occupied.

2.30 or thereabouts (when everybody has arrived and presents have been opened). Party games. Suggestions: treasure hunt, musical bumps, musical statues, sleeping lions.

3.00. Food. Buffet in the table, sheet spread in living room to sit on. But if only one adult, you would need buffet and eating space in the same room.

45. Party bags. We did a game where we put a blue sheet across a doorway to represent the sea and gave them a fishing rod with a bag attached to fish for their party bag. Takes two adults- one be Nepture behind the sea and one to supervise the queue.

With two adults you can sneakily organise it so that you are the Important Organising Person who sets out the buffet (and has a sneaky coffee away from the riot) whereas your minion does the less important job of Just Keeping An Eye On Them. I played this trick on dh for years

SashaSashays · 23/02/2013 12:26

I don't want to sound offensive, as its obviously not something you're used to but managing 6 or 7 children really won't be that bad.

If its your DS you are concerned about you need to talk to him about it all being conditional on his behaviour and that if he misbehaves you will have to send them home. If he gets over excited and doesn't listen, remove him from the room and remind him to pack it in or they have to go home.

The large majority of kids are polite and won't give you any hassle, there may be 1 or 2 who are a bit irritating or rude but for a few hours its fine.

Simple plan is welcome them in get drinks etc, and settle into an activity like this minecraft thingy, feed them lots of nice food, exhaust them with activities such as an assault course of twister or some other party game then either have them collected or wind down with a film they all are to watch.

thebody · 23/02/2013 12:27

When my lads were this age we did quasar parties, they loved them.

Food is provided and you just sit down with a mag while kids are supervised by the crew.

When parents pik up offer to buy them a drink, usually licenced or a coffee. You need to make the friendly moves as you are the new girl.

In no way on Gods earth would I ever again have a gang of 7 year old boys in my house.

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 23/02/2013 15:17

They are 7 his friends and him don't need entertaining, they can go play in his room or outside if you have a garden, while everybody arrives.
After a while, offer food, if you have a cake then cake candle, if you want some party games,
then ball games outside/ movie or more playing, wii... until the pick up.

maninawomansworld · 01/03/2013 09:05

Just say no. You don't have to bargain with a 7 year old you know! The world won't end. Theres no way in hell I'd have a house full of other peoples snotty kids. Plus, what are you going to do with them? You'll wind up being entertainer all evening.

YellowDinosaur · 01/03/2013 10:19

We've often had kids parties at home. On an almost identical schedule to Cory. Although the best food we've done is hot dogs and chips because its bloody cheap, the Kids love it, and it takes a hell of a lot less effort than a buffet!

Party bags we've got a job lot of books from the book people for what works out as a quid a go, wrapped them up with a packet of sweets and done lucky dip.

We've done this with up to about 15 kids and its fine - if you keep then busy then they behave better. You do need 2 adults though - 1 to run the games and 1 to sort out the food / stuff for next game. But its definitely easier if the majority of parents leave so you don't have to worry about them too.

DeWe · 01/03/2013 12:24

I would say "Well, if you have it at home we can only have 3 friends. If we went bowling (or whatever) you can have 5!"

Flip

1 2