Thinking of a H.E birthday party???

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, we've been home educating our daughter since Christmas. She's made quite a few friends within a lovely HE group.
Her birthday is on a week day this year and I thought it'd be nice to organise a get together on that day. We can't afford a big party for everyone this year but wondered wether people would be willing to come somewhere with a picnic?
I was thinking about somewhere that's free to go to or a national trust place? I think most people are members but if not, do the do discounts for HE groups?

If you have any ideas, please let me know.

Oh and she'll be 6.

That sounds lovely MLL
TBH most home educators are used to living on a small budget, I know what you are planning would go down well with our local HE group.
WE used to do similar things......just take a cake big enough for the kids to have a piece each.

I think groups can take out a membership of National Trust, but booked in advance English Heritage places are free to educational groups like ours.

Oh that's great then. We'll make a big cake. I'd love to share our daughters birthday with our new found friends. It seems quite special, her first birthday since being home edded. I'm a soppy bugger though.

That should be popular! It's the sort of thing people often do in our area.

We once got together at a local swimming pool, then had the cake in the adjoining cafe afterward. Bowling and ice rink have been done too. Just make sure you are able to make it clear that you are expecting everyone to pay their own way, that you aren't providing lunch, and that your group doesn't have exclusive use of the venue. Then people won't be confused. They'll know they shouldn't be dropping their kids off with the expectation that everything is laid on. Something like, "We'd love it if your family could join us at the pool during the public session from 10-12 on Tuesday to celebrate L's birthday. We'll bring a cake to share."

A birthday banner or a few helium balloons might add an extra festive touch. You could get her a birthday badge too (such as the ones that sometimes come on birthday cards) and then any families who don't know her yet will be in no doubt about who needs to be wished a happy birthday!

Oh, and one more thing: parents often post on home ed email lists asking others to send an e-card to their child on her birthday. It could be your local list or a national one: as well as your existing friends, a few strangers or online friends of yours will be happy to oblige. That could be a nice surprise for her.

that sounds good. I'm not sure how many people would come if it was something they had to pay for as most of the familys have 3, 4 and 5 children. I think we are the only family with just one child.

The children range from 5 to 15 so it's a big age range but supprisingly, they all get on really well. Lucy is very fond of a 15 year old girl who she says she wishes was her sister.

I'll e-mail the leader of the group and suggest a few places and see if she can recommend some places too.

Thanks for your advice. I wasn't sure if it was the done thing or not. I'm really looking forward to it.

"so it's a big age range but supprisingly, they all get on really well."

not a bit suprised..........happens in every home ed group I have been to, although, it is one of the first things newbies comment on.

We find there is no gender seperation either, they are all just friends.

and mostly they think of adults who are part of the group as friends too.

Enjoy your celebrations, I'm sure you'll have fun!

Thank you.