AIBU to feel guilty for not having a birthday party?

[Asss]

DS is 6 today and he has gone to holiday club with his friend and I am collecting them both and coming back to our house for tea. I didn’t do a party as it is in the holidays and most people are away:busy etc. I don’t know why I feel guilty but I do.l but he really wanted to go to the summer club.

Sounds like he is having the day that he wanted so don't worry about it.

I didn't do parties for DS when he was younger. He's 11 now and still don't really. We take him and a car full of friends to do an activity somewhere. Not so different to the summer club.

I don’t do parties for my kids as the cost can be ridiculous- if that’s what he wanted to do that’s fine - If you are off work today I’d likely have planned to spend the day with him instead and booked an activity but all my kids have bdays that fall within school term time so it’s only once every few years they actually get the day “off” so we make the most of it together

If he hasn't asked for one/didn't want one then no need to feel guilty!

If he wanted one and you couldn't be bothered because it's the holidays, then you should feel guilty, but it doesn't sound like that's the case!

I have been asking him for weeks what he would like to do and couldn’t really get an answer. I will plan something for him in September when everybody is back to school.

Are you feeling guily because of perceptions?

Your child is having the day they want doing an activity they want. Outsiders perception isnt important.

Why are you feeling guilty because he is doing what he wants and is happy? Bizarre.

Are you the same person that bought him that iPad?

Sounds like he’s having the day he wanted so no guilt needed.

It sounds like you’re doing what your child is happy with, and we recently attended a party during the Summer where lots were away, so it is trickier. Many parents I know opt out of parties as they are fed up with parents bringing uninvited siblings and pushing up the costs when they can’t afford it.

Do a party when they go back to school. If you are worried about cost just have half a dozen kids at home and order/cook pizzas and free play.

So he knows you're planning something and hasn't kicked off about it, so he's obviously not that bothered. He's got a friend coming back later. If you haven't already, you can get a cake from the supermarket, plan a couple of fun games if you think they'd like it.

My DD shares the same birthday as your son. She was always adamant she wanted a birthday party on her birthday and I used to worry how many would end up coming. On the other hand it meant I could just invite everyone she played with - friends at school, my best friend's son and children in a friendship group we had.

Ours sound like two totally different children, and that's fine.

He is going camping with his dad this weekend so struggled really