To feel hurt for her

[Thatsongaboutsharks]

DD’s birthday party this weekend, gathering outside, playground etc, she’s very excited.
I invited lots of people, a few accepted, perhaps 8 children in total, but many pulled out at the last minute. Just feeling a bit sad about it, it’s her first proper birthday

Aibu to feel let down or am I taking it too personally?

Less than 10 will be great!! And doubly great for your mh!!
She will be able to have proper time with every friend...
My dd's used to just have 3 or 4 round for a mini get together sort of party and they loved it!!

@30degreesandmeltinghere I think with a couple, they’re worried about covid etc..but I’m just feeling a bit 😟like not putting much effort in again.
I didn’t realise her party would mean this much to me, in terms of people making effort and caring, if that makes sense

If it's her first proper birthday, is she only 1 year old? If so, it doesn't matter, she won't notice. Wait til she's older.

@Dillydollydingdong Sorry, I meant party (first proper party with friends) she’ll turn 3

[quote Thatsongaboutsharks]@Dillydollydingdong Sorry, I meant party (first proper party with friends) she’ll turn 3[/quote]
She's not going to care at 3 how many people are there - as long as she gets a few presents to unwrap and some cake it will be her best day ever.

But it's okay to admit that you feel hurt for you. Parties under 5 are more for the parents than the kids - so it's okay to feel that people are not there to celebrate with you.

Bless you but you need to toughen up! A party is a state of mind for young children. We used to have a party each holiday when we were away self catering - we said it was a party played games and had party food built it up got dressed up. There was only ever the 4 of us there 😁. After every holiday the kids would say the best thing about it was “the party” 😁.

At 3, she won't care so long as you sing happy birthday and have some cake and a balloon.

Due to Covid rules, we couldn't have anyone at all at our DC's 3rd birthday in January. So it was just DH and I. We took him and a bubble machine to the park for a winter 'picnic' with all his favourite foods. He absolutely loved it, especially when one other little boy (a complete stranger) came over and joined in popping the bubbles. Then we had cake at home and skyped his grandparents while he was blowing out the candles and opening presents.

I think a good rule to avoid havoc is to invite the number of guests that corresponds with your child's age - so 3 guests for a 3yo is fine!

If you are going to a playground are you sure the other parents are aware its a party and not just a 'we are going to the park it would be nice to see you there' kind of a thing?

It’s crap but so many kids atm spending birthdays in lockdown, isolated. It’s better than that at least.

@Hellocatshome Yeah, they know

If it makes you feel better my ds had a 'proper' birthday party from 4 to 10 and cried at every single one.

I think the reality was overwhelming and he is now firmly in the 'one friend plus low key activity' camp.

Less is more when it comes to kids birthdays.