Do you have to have birthday parties?

[mojoawol]

DS is 4 in a couple of weeks and not sure what to do for his birthday. We could just do something nice with ex (we get on well enough for this kind of thing), or I could have a party, but I know if I did, I would have to do all the work, preparation, clearing up not to mention foot the bill etc.
DS hasn't mentioned one, so not sure he would be bothered. Almost feel like I should (and don't cringe) because other parents do and invite DS, like its a 'duty'.
Don't really want to fall into the party every year thing (never had birthday parties when I was a kid), but would DS be missing out? What does everyone else do?

No, you don't. We took DS to the circus for his birthday last year, and had a family birthday tea the year before. This year we're thinking of taking DS and one of his friends for a day out. Do what you know they will enjoy and what you can realistically afford / organise.

No you don't have to do a 'party', simply celebrate how you like. Whether it be a family day out, or taking 1 or 2 friends to zoo/cinema/play centre/beach or simply having a special tea with a cake at home.

One of the favourite parties my ds goes to his a day out at the local park where the parents set up a BBQ and lots of outdoor games (swingball etc) and then everyone sits about having a 'bring your own' picnic and the kids run round like mad.

My sister recently took her ds(9) to cinema for his birthday, with younger brother and 1 other (he choose my ds) going along, and then mcdonalds after. It's what her ds asked for.

A couple of years ago I offered my ds the choice of having a party and presents or going away for the weekend to center parcs. He choose Center Parcs. This year he choose cinema with almost all his class coming along, which only cost me £50! So you can get some bargain parties out there. But at 4 years old I don't think it matters all that much unless your lo wants something specific.

I don't do parties where i have to do the hard work. Alot of family pubs with the playareas do parties where they organise everything and are not badly priced, or an indoor play area? Bowling? Swimming party? Cinema.

There are many many options these days.

What is your child into? Work it around that.

I did a party for ds' 4th birthday and it was so stressful. I didn't have any family near-by to help so did it all by myself and it is the last time I'll do a party like that!! Every other birthday has been a picnic in the park (bring your own). I supply the cake and that's about it! Ds has much preferred that.

I think if ds ever wanted to invite lots of friends in the future I'd do a soft-play type party and pass the organising onto the play-centre people!!

hi1 im doing party for my Ds on sunday he will be 2 and wont even remember it...but i never had a party until i was 21 when i organised it!
we have 12 2 year olds coming along and i have only just finished filling party bags for nursery tomorrow...where they will also celebrate it. did the same thing for his 1st birthday, trying to make up for the fact that it was only me at the time.
Xp and i get along ok atm so he will be there but i have footed the bill as with everything else, but as long as my son enjoys the day i dont care.

my advice would be do what suits you...your Ds will probably be happier celebrating with you anyway!

My ds1 will be 4 on christmas eve and so far he has not had a party as such and wont this year either.I dont think I could cope with the expense or preperation.

This year i am taking him on a visit to gullivers land with my ex who will pay half and then we will just have a little tea party for close family at home.