Reception party - Pyjama or magic/clown?

[Pyjamaormagic]

My DS will turn 5 soon and I need to plan his party.

Which theme do you think is best?

1. Pyjama - 30 class kids to be wearing their pyjamas and have fun, musical pillows, glitter tattoos etc.

1. Magic/clown party - With some tricks, games etc.

I am a bit bored of the superheros/Frozen parties and I am trying to think of something different but I can't think of something that will appeal to both sexes.

AIBU - Pyjama
AINBU - Magic/clown

I get what you say re PJ party, although surely all kids have a decent set of PJs (no need to buy one) and it would have been fun to show them to their friends.

If it has to be a theme (and it really doesn’t!) then it should be whatever your kid wants, not what hasn’t been done by the other parents yet!

Why does pjs need new outfits or be more stressful than superheroes? Sounds fine to me, but obviously I'm in the minority. Round here schools do pyjama day sometimes as a more includivd/less competitive world book day

Science is a great idea, thank you!

Our swimming school does PJ class every few weeks which is a life survival class. I don't see something wrong with PJs but I am minority too here

No not necessarily, and they are not exactly that warm either. I hear what you say about the other parties having a theme but by perpetuating the idea that it is a must, you are just adding to the stress for parents whose children's birthdays come later in the school year. Be the one who is brave enough to do something different. At the moment it sounds as though you are thoroughly caught up in the oneupmanship.

No. From a safe guarding point of view no. On days are gone from most schools these days. People don't want photos of their children in Pjs.

I wouldn't let my child go around in PJ's outside the house.

What theme does your child want?

Can you not just have a party where the kids play games such as musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, musical statues etc and have a sit down kid friendly food spread? Maybe a bit of music for the kids to dance around to? It doesn't have to be themed.

World Books Day is in Springtime? So probably not that cold. Primary school near me does PJs for WBD and it works well to quell the excesses of competitive dressing. But they do allow dressing gowns too.

I think this is excessive. Then, for example, don't go to the beach, don't go swimming, don't wear shorts in the summer. Kids winter PJs i.e. long trousers and a long sleeve top have nothing wrong. When kids wear shorts in PE is worse than coming to a party in winter PJs outfit. Anyway, this is just what I believe, but I get that people have various views.

Amazing! Thank you :)

I would be very uncomfortable with a PJ party (also from a safeguarding background). It's a very odd idea frankly. As is a clown as so many people hate them. Why does it have to be themed at all? Why can't you just hire an entertainer who you think you child will like and have a tea and dance/play afterwards?

Pjs are for bed, that is why parents don't like children outside and at parties in them. It's simply safeguarding.

The other clothing options are appropriate for their settings.

I spent years in safeguarding, trust me it's not excessive. Pjs parties can be very triggering for adults SA victims.

I still think PJs for a Birthday is wrong as stated previously. I also notice that not once have you responded to any of us asking what theme your child would like if any?

No they don’t

What is your DS into? You can theme a party without the guests having to dress up.

So if he's into football, have a sports party with games, a football cake, themed party bags etc. Children can wear sporty clothes if they want, can be inclusive of girls and boys.

Or have a magic party with a magician and themed decorations etc.

Or just take them to soft play, throw in cake and food and consider it a a job well done!

DS at that age slept in a pair of pants and a t-shirt. I wouldn't have thanked you for a pyjama party.

They are 5 year olds so lots of boys inadvertently flashing as parents will send them without pants on, girls will be in onesies that they wont be able to get off easily to go to the loo.

Ok, so firstly he would like lego but we did lego last year with his nursery friends who happen to be in his class in reception, so it will be odd.

Secondly, his swimming class is at a late time on Friday afternoons and all kids after the class shower and wear PJs and they go home in their PJs. Is this more appropriate?

Life survival is so different to a party. Surely you can see the difference. One is simulating a child being in difficulties in the water, fully clothed and needing to learn to swim with that extra weight of clothing. Comparing it to a party is not sensible.

Team PJs here! Have seen this be an absolute hit. Comfy, too.

Well our school just had pjs today for children in need. Kids seemed to enjoy. My dd was dressed almost identically to how she always dresses - in leggings and a long sleeved t shirt. They just matched today

OK, no PJ party, I am convinced after all these responses! I don't want to be the weird parent... Although I would have loved it as a kid!

I wouldn't do it. Do what you want but be aware you may not get people attending because it's a common concern.

Honestly, if he likes Lego then have another Lego party. Nobody will think it's odd and I doubt anyone will even remember. It sounds great.