To have a party for 3 yo when I don't really know any parents

[Bluebelle22]

My DD is going to be 3 in January and I'd like to have a party for her as she's been asking about one ever since attending her cousin's last month.

She goes to nursery 4 days per week and has made some great friendships there according to nursery staff, she also mentions the same 4 or 5 kids names often and how they play together so I know this to be true. We've actually just had an invitation via her nursery bag to a little boys party in Nov which is nice.

Unfortunately I don't really have any parent friends. I attended a few baby groups when she was tiny but made nothing more than a few acquaintances. Should I wait until she's a bit older, perhaps turning 4 before we throw her a party and by that point I might have made new connections with her friends parents? Or do I just invite her known friends to a party regardless and awkwardly host to a bunch of strangers (aside from her cousins)?

You invite her known friends and awkwardly just a bunch of strangers,

Welcome to children's parties.

It might feel intimidating but you absolutely invite her friends and host their parents. How else will you magically get to know them? It won't feel that weird, everyone will just talk about their kids and the nursery, but it's the start of a relationship. They are't exactly strangers after all, they're the parents of the kids your child really cares for. They'll probably be glad of the invite and the opportunity to see the kids and families their child spends time with. Especially as the novelty of children's parties hasn't worn off yet!

Yes do it. That’s how you meet the parents of her friends. It’s only for two hours, most of that time you’re making tea or coffee or passing around sandwiches or playing some games. It goes really quickly.

You've got ready made conversation starters about your children. Invite the parents. Some of the mums I chatted awkwardly to at reception/ playgroup are now real friends.

It might not be the case for you that they'll be lifelong buddies but it's nice to have friendly faces to make small talk with at parties.

My eldest of 3 children is 15, I've attended more than I can count!

Also, you have a great number of invitees for a third birthday party. 4 or 5 is ideal as any more can get overwhelming quickly, especially if you're hosting at home. And you know your child gets on well with all of them. I'm also a mum of three - you have SO many parties in your future :)

I went to a party in August for 4yo and the mum doing the party didn't know any other parents except me, but there was about 15 children there from her DD's nursery

I think it's absolutely fine! Don't see the problem. Also it would be nice for you to meet your daughters' friends' parents

Yes, this. Parties are painfully boring until they are old enough to drop and run.

This is how you make mum (and dad!) friends, you invite her friends and socialise with the parents that bring them. You won't click with everyone but most will be happy to get to know you, you won't be the only parent feeling isolated from the others.

Thank you everyone. I think we will go ahead and sort something for her. Maybe a soft play party would be best and we can invite the full nursery class ..think there's 15.

Just wasn't sure if other parents might think it's a bit odd / sad that we don't know anyone there and I don't have any mum friends of my own although appreciate that's a me problem and my own anxieties..

I'm in a similar situation OP. My twins turn 3 next month and like you I didn't really get into the mum and baby groups before returning to work.

I opted to invite everyone from their preschool (circa 50 children) and around 50% have responded which is absolutely fine. My twins only briefly mention names of people at preschool (and don't seem to differentiate between the workers and the other children !) so inviting all of the kids seemed the best and easiest way. (I've hired a hall by the way, wouldn't be mad enough to have that many toddlers in my home!!)

I will only know a couple of the Mums from saying hi at the gates, and I'm expecting to be too busy chasing my own tail on the day to be able to indulge in any real conversation!

Good luck with planning.