18th birthday regrets

[Silbury1967]

We have never had much money when our kids were growing up and when it came their 18th birthdays they just had a slightly more expensive present but we went out for a celebration meal on top which we never normally did.
Now I look back and feel mean for not spending more at the time, even though I know we didn't have two pennies to rub together. I read so many posts on here about people spending hundreds on their kids birthdays and feel like this was just one more way I let my kids down!

i hope so!

My parents bought me a fleece and what I really hoped was that we’d go out for a meal but we didn’t.

What you did sounds perfect.

The fact you care means you are a fab mum. The meal meant you took them out. The nicer present meant they got extra for their special birthday. Your children won't resent you for materialistic things. Trust me my mum didn't do any parties or anything for me. Growing up that didn't bother me. The thing that bothers me now is the things that wouldn't of cost money she also didn't do. Like chat to me, compliment me, help me think about what I could do with my life, hugs, kisses, praise, encouragement. Even now as a 30 year old her behaviour is the same. If I could of had anything in my life it would be a poor mum who showed me love and cheered me on. A mum that wanted to go to my scans with Me when I was pregnant and helped me in those early days. That kind of support is priceless. I bet your kids had amazing birthday xx

xxx

You can’t go back and change things so that is the point in worrying about it?
I also had a bigger celebration for my 21st than my 18th (UK). I remember (vaguely!) going out for a Chinese with about 10 of my friends for my 18th but can’t remember what my parents got me. I’m sure it was lovely though!