Wwyd: Children’s party - there’s no point is there?

[Coriandersucks]

Ds turns 5 in January. He’s desperate for a party like all his school friends have been having over the last few weeks.

Another friend is having one the week before his would be but I’m so reluctant to book a hall/entertainer etc because a) I’m worried no one will come b) we might be under new restrictions by then and c) it’s probably irresponsible.

Wwyd - book everything and send out invites and hope for the best, or hope a 5 year old will not be too upset even though others are having them?

I take it they're all at school together? I can't see the harm if so. And a hall offers a bit more space.

I reckon you'll get a few nervous parents but think generally people would be up for it. I think parents are keen their children don't miss out. Can you sense check with some of the other mums?

In your shoes (and it's easy for me to say this) I'd tell your child they can have a special outdoor party for their birthday next summer - talk about the fun they can have with water pistols, paddling pools and a slip n slide that are all better in the sunshine. Book a date in the diary now and tell friends and family your plan.

I completely agree that organising a party now for January isn't the best move as its likely to be cancelled or nobody will come.

Mine has his 5th birthday party booked for 2nd January. I was feeling quite confident about it until these last few days!
Poor kid spent his 4th birthday on a zoom call with some friends because we'd just gone into tier 4 and I was really hoping this year would be different.
Keeping everything crossed it can still go ahead and people will want to come!

I'd take my child to a birthday party. Book things where they'll refund if they have to cancel due to covid.

Given they are too young for drop and run I think that’s tricky. I would stick to class invites only given they’re in a classroom together all week but it’s the parents mixing that would be more of a concern.

I think people will go, I'm going and I've been super cautious throughout. I would stick to just kids in his class, hire somewhere spacious with windows and see if people are willing to lateral flow before hand.

Or try to find an outdoor event (but I realise that risks rain) some places hire giant tents?

We’ve got our 5th birthday party in a hall on 9th January. If new restrictions, obviously not going ahead. I’ve said to parents if they get nervous and pull out a day or two before I will understand (when another year I’d be muttering under my breath about flakiness and cost ) I’ve had a few parents say they’re fine with risk so we might just have a smaller amount of children, which isn’t awful. More space on the bouncy castle!

@NoseringGirl

Mine has his 5th birthday party booked for 2nd January. I was feeling quite confident about it until these last few days! Poor kid spent his 4th birthday on a zoom call with some friends because we'd just gone into tier 4 and I was really hoping this year would be different. Keeping everything crossed it can still go ahead and people will want to come!

Same. While there aren’t restrictions, we’ll still go ahead. If no one turns up it’ll be really sad but cancelling and having another birthday like last year without even trying will be even sadder.

Ok that’s good to hear others are still going ahead with their parties. When I spoke to other parents they all joked about oh no more parties and january being a skint month so I wasn’t feeing too positive!

I wanted to book an entertainer because everyone has done the bouncy castle/ride on toys and it will be the same at the one the week before so thought it would be good to do something different - that or soft play - but it’s not cheap to do.

Maybe I’ll look for a cheaper alternative so if it does fall flat it won’t be such a loss.

My daughter is going to a her friends 7th bday party next week. Our county has closed schools next week and moved onto online learning so the parent asked if we were all still happy to attend as she understood if not. So far everyone has relied to say they would still attend

Why not have a more low key outdoor party? You could meet at a local park, woods or local beauty spot and do outdoor games. Treasure hunt? Scavenger hunt? Races?? Run them ragged and send them home tired!

I have just today cancelled my daughter's birthday party for next week. I'll rearrange it for the spring once things have calmed down a bit.

I would go- January is a hard month to fill for kids, a party would be great. Just be prepared for any possible restrictions and covid illness drop outs

I have booked Jan party already doubt it will be able to go ahead.

If they are all in the same class at school anyway then I would be inclined to do it. Book a big hall with plenty of space. Fwiw, my daughter is going to a 5th bday party this coming Saturday.

As long as the gov doesn't actually legislate to stop gatherings, there will be a decent chunk of people who will want their kids to go.

I would say - send a save the date but see if you can leave booking the actual party till a bit nearer the time. Things will be clearer one way or the other after Christmas.

Mine has a late January birthday. Not booking anything yet, and worst case scenario his party will be at home. There will certainly be a celebration, regardless of any restrictions that may be in force.

Mine also turns 5 in Jan. he wants a party but we've not booked anything yet. We will see what happens.

Tbh I don't want to do a party so I won't be too upset if we can't do anything.

He really wants to do a park party but we said Jan was too cold for that ... might have to do it anyway lol

DS brought an invite home today for a mid January party. We'll go if we can.