To hate birthday parties

[Foreverhungry32]

My ds will be four at the end of November.
He had a birthday party for his 1st birthday where I hired mascots and had family/friends around.
Ever since then I have taken him out for the day. My mum thinks I should have him a birthday party for his 4th birthday.
AIBU to not want too. He doesnt really know a lot of people as he doesn’t start school till next year and we have such a small family that it would be more like a tea party 😂
I do have friends with children who I could invite and who he loves but I get really anxious over people not turning up.
He seems quite content just going somewhere special for the day and having the money spent on his favourite toys and seeing all the important people around his birthday.
Do you make a big deal of parties or am I just over thinking?

I would wait until next year when he’ll be at school and have more friends to ask. We had one for dd4 this year but she wanted one as dd1 always has one. As you don’t have that to contend with I wouldn’t worry if you’d rather not.

I'd take him out for the day. I don't see how a party would benefit him if he enjoys the days out.

We always did one friend for a tea party until eldest started nursery (then he went to other birthday parties and desperately wanted his own). If DS isn't bothered and wants a day out I don't see why you shouldn't stick to that. I actually know a few DC who hated big birthday parties around that age - too much noise and attention on them. Their parents obviously must have felt that was what they "should" do.

If my mum was trying to force me to organise a party I'd tell her to keep her beak out.
Or tell her she's welcome to organise one herself at her home or organise a location and the invites, food and entertainment.
If she can't possibly do that then tell her you can't either and you and DS are having a fun day out.