Children's parties

[Thingsthatgo]

DS (5, in year one) is fairly popular at school and gets invited to a lot of parties.
I get massive anxiety at the thought of hostessing a children's party, but I realise that it's only fair to reciprocate these invitations. (Ds isn't desperately keen on a party, he'd rather go to an observatory or museum or similar.)
I'm tying myself in knots a bit. It doesn't seem fair to ask Ds to decline invitations, but I cannot work out how to make it fair without inviting 40-odd kids. We cannot afford anything much.

Also, as a side question, at what age do children start going to parties without adults?

You don't have to reciprocate invites.
The reciprocal to attending a party is bringing a present.

If your DS doesn't want a party, then don't have one! It's his birthday!

If he wants to go to an observatory, then if he has one like-minded friend, you could invite just that friend.

My DDs don't like large gatherings, I have never done a whole class party.

We usually host full class parties because I work FT so I don't have much time for play dates. I wouldn't expect everyone to have one in return - where would it end?

Yeah. If he doesn't want to leave a party, don't give yourself the headache.

Take him to the museum with family or a handful of friends.

I think children usually go without an adult around Year 1 to be honest.

Honestly, just don't have a party if you DS doesn't want one.
It's his day, so do what pleases him. Its the best solution for both as you, as you won't be feeling anxious either!

I know it's easier to say than believe, but people really won't be bothered - they have too much of there own stuff to deal with. And if anyone is bothered, they aren't worth knowing anyways.

My son isn't having a party this year. He will still attend others though.

Seriously, don't do it! Your son doesn't want one - that would be reason enough for me.
No one needs that stress if they can avoid it, and you won't be judged by the other parents. It's not like playdates, parties don't have to be reciprocated.

What? That's insane

No-one has parties just because they, themselves have been invited to parties

Honestly OP. Let your child lead you on this one and if he's not fussed then celebrate his birthday how he wants to.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll find parents are just grateful when party guests RSVP on time and actually turn up on the day.

My DD has always disliked parties. I wanted to do the whole kids party thing when she was smaller, but it wasn't her thing so we stopped and just do what she wants - which is usually an activity with just a couple of friends.
She doesn't tend to accept invites to big parties either.

Thank you!! It's a massive relief to know it's not a big deal. I shall take him to the observatory with his equally geeky friend, and make planets cakes!

That sounds fab! Have fun.

Sounds fab

I wish my kids didn't want parties 🙄 I've currently got 4 13 year old boys here who I've just cooked breakfast for after a sleepover, this is the first time my ds hasn't had an event birthday with a minimum of 10 friends, lots of his friends don't have parties, and never have and it's never affected whether or not my son invites them to his party.