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Birthday parties (bit long, sorry)

7 replies

Mishy1234 · 09/01/2010 10:07

DS is 2 in Feb an I'm in a bit of a dilema about whether to organise a party or not.

When do parties start becoming important? We just had a family thing for his 1st birthday at his Grandparent's house, which coincided with his Baptism and also Great Granny's birthday, so there were quite a few people there. Was thinking about doing something similar this year, but it wouldn't be suitable thing to invite other toddlers too (apart from his cousin).

My problem is that our house isn't big enough to host a party, especially in Feb when it would have to be inside. If it was the summer then there wouldn't be an issue as we could have it in the garden. I've looked into a few places, but they are either too small or too expensive. I have considered a church hall/DIY thing, which would be great but I don't really know enough people to invite to fill such a big hall.

In retrospect, I should have planned earlier and done something joint with a friend or two with birthdays around the same time. I feel it's a bit late now to be asking people if they'd like a joint party, as they're probably way more organised than me and already planned something.

WWYD? Is it OK to do a family thing this year and a proper party when he's 3? He's had a couple of 2 year birthday party invites and I suspect will get a few more, so I'm concerned people will think I'm not inviting them back IYSWIM.

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ironlikealion · 09/01/2010 10:14

No need at all at 2, IMO you need a party when they're 3 if their friends have them and they are aware of the importance of birthdays (certainly wasn't true for my DS at 2 even though some of his friends did have parties).

Absolutely fine to do a family thing this year and your DS would enjoy that most anyway.

Seona1973 · 09/01/2010 17:01

we didnt have a proper party for dd until she was at school which was for her 5th birthday - all the rest were just family gatherings in the house. DS is 3 and hasnt had a party either.

squeaver · 09/01/2010 17:05

No need for a party AT ALL at 2. Do something with family if you like or have a few friends around for a play and some cake.

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alarkaspree · 09/01/2010 17:08

Nobody will be offended if you don't have a party to invite them to. It's completely normal and sensible to have a family party for a 2nd birthday, and your ds will enjoy it much more than a party with his friends.

Mishy1234 · 09/01/2010 19:07

Thanks for the replies. I feel a lot better about just having a family party this year now.

So many of my friends seem to be doing parties this year (and last year!) I've been a bit worried about not doing one for DS. I don't remember having a party myself until I went to school, but that was a long time ago!

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geordieminx · 09/01/2010 19:13

We had a "family party" for ds's 1st birthday - ended up about 15 adults and 10 kids in our average sized house - spent a fortune, cleaning up for days before/after. Didnt get a minute to actually enjoy his day as was too busy running round after everyone else - he absolutely hated it - totally freaked out with a house full of people.

We went to Tenerife for his 2nd birthday. We were going to take him to the waterpark or animal park on the actual day but he so wasnt bothered, so we just played by the pool, had a candle in some ice cream... and that was about it. He had a riot, and still talks about going to Terife now - he's nearly 3.

MumNWLondon · 09/01/2010 23:10

For 2nd birthday just have a tea with a few people, either family or a couple of friends with kids the same age, doesn't really matter which, all that matters is that age is that they have a birthday cake!

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