Does everyone have a kiddies birthday party EVERY year for EVERY child???

[opinionsrus]

The only reason that I am bringing this up is that I am just in the throws of organising "huge" birthday party for 3 yr old DS - well 10 kids at home thats huge enough isn't it?

This isn't because I particularly like doing this as I know some people do, but was just wondering if everyone else had parties every year or just as and when sort of thing???

Please don't be backwards in coming forwards with views of lo's parties!!!

We had family parties until age 4 and then friends parties but never more than about 18 kids - and normally around 12. We also have other parties as and when eg Halloween - but I only have 1 child to party with. I don't think parties need to be huge or expensive to be good but I think it's a bit mean not to have them

I loved my birthday parties as a child and would think that some way of celebrating a birthday is a bit of a non-negotiable. Doesn't have to be a big party of course, I am expecting things to get smaller as they get older. I kind of see it as as essential as a present really...

They didn't have parties until they were 4 as they were a bit vague on the concept of friends before then.

For a few years we alternated between a big party 'in a place' and a small home party/trip. Last year both dds had a sleepover with two friends which was more hellish than any other party ever.

I must admit I would prefer to do what I call a 'proper' party (one at home with games and party tea) but because I have winter birthdays, boys, and not loads of space, I have always gone for soft play or an activity based party instead. Looking forward to doing something like swimming or football and then tea at home for half a dozen or so

god no - i would rather eat my own arse.

tea party. 2 friends max - each.

or

big party - no present - money doesnt grow on trees y' know

you chose.

they chose prezzie every time

prezzie and tea party ( 2 best friends from school)

once you enter into the mummies world of parties you have netered into a competition that will bankrupt you.

some little shit with have themed parties
another will have bouncy castles.

the one upmanship is amazing. it will bankrupt you. and make you feel inferior for the next 15 years.

i warn you. the days of home made jelly or macdonalds is over.

custardo

I am immune to one-upmanship. But in a posher bit of the country where a friend of mine lives, a recent party involved a weekend away for all 9 year old guests, a barbecue and games!

I do themed parties, jelly AND bouncy castles.
So I win.
Which makes it OK. For me.

Mine have bdays a week apart so we do one big shared thing. I do find that between 4 and 7 it is the big ones, then like others had said, it dies down.

Last year we had 10 friends (5 each) at home, but we had been to Disney as the big one. Previous years have been villae hall 20 30 kids, no entertainer, loads of games.

This year (they will be 8 and 6) I think they are thinking disco. But I think it will be the last 'big one' tbh

Mine have bdays a week apart so we do one big shared thing. I do find that between 4 and 7 it is the big ones, then like others had said, it dies down.

Last year we had 10 friends (5 each) at home, but we had been to Disney as the big one. Previous years have been villae hall 20 30 kids, no entertainer, loads of games.

This year (they will be 8 and 6) I think they are thinking disco. But I think it will be the last 'big one' tbh

Well I have planned mine pretty much military style ish with loads of games/prizes and food etc, as long as I am in "control" so to be speak all will be well!

Still noseying at everyones parties!

We do, but up to now it has only been for family.

well I survived my first party!! Ended up with just 6 kids and my 2 which was the number I wanted originally - we had 5 not turn up (2 called to say they were ill).
Games went quicker than I thought, but food took longer so there was just 10 minutes at the end free when they all ran round with balloons.
While we waited for everyone to get there they all did drawing / glueing to make masks, then we played pin-the-tail / pass-the-parcel / musical statues / bubble mats / simon says / musical bumps. Had food - make sure you only put out the sandwiches & crisps first, then the cakes / biscuits later, and sang Happy Birthday. Then there was another pass-the-parcel (to keep them sitting down), then music / dancing and balloons while we waited for parents.
Ds1 didn't cry at all - I had been warned that the birthday child often cries, ds2 got a bit upset as he tried to keep up with the older boys, and ds3 just crawled round getting in the way.
Will do it all again next year! and for the other 2 when they turn 5.

Yes. So far anyway. From the age of 4 until.... well DS#1 was 10 and just had a party so I don't know when it will stop. Pre-nursery it just tends to be a family thing.

We've done ones at home (just us really) for DCs when they were 1 and 2. DD had one at home with about 5 friends when she was 3 - with parents staying it was just too crowded, so I gave up on having them at home.

DD - 4th birthday - sports centre - you could use their creche. They did it all except providing the cake, which was exactly what we needed, as I'd had DS 2 weeks previously. I couldn't face organising a party with a 2-week-old baby.

DD's 5th birthday was in the local village hall, about 15 kids, bouncy castle and pottery painting (courtesy of a friend).

DD's 6th Birthday - local leisure centre - bouncy castle. 20 kids

DD's 7th is on Saturday - same leisure centre, trampoline and sports party. 20 kids.

DS's 3rd - just had it this weekend, local village hall, paid £5 to borrow the local toddler group's toys which are stored there. Worked very well - 9 children, just played, had tea, went home.

I would give DD one every year and I would do the same for any other children I have.