Opinions needed about party for DS1's 6th birthday party - would you go for a specific 'hobby' party which might exclude children that didn't enjoy that particular hobby?

[ceebeegeebies]

DS1 is obsessed with football and there is a soccer dome near us that does football parties where the children basically play football for 2 hours (and have something to eat). DS1 would love this party but I know there a couple of his friends who he would definitely want to invite (boys and girls) that would hate it and be bored stiff with it.

What would you do? I am torn between wanting to give DS1 the party that he would really enjoy and wanting to accommodate his friends who really wouldn't enjoy it.

I don't think it's a problem as such. Would there be something for the uninterested/tired/not so good kids to do? They could get disruptive otherwise - especially if the party organiser was not so great at gaining their attention.

I honestly don't think there is anything else to do - it is to play football or play football as they are not set up for anything else.

Tbh, it would even exclude DS2 who will kick a ball once and then wander off because he is bored so I guess that has answered my own question really

I'd do it. At 5/6 children should be willing to give anything like that a go. I have a 6yo and a 4yo and would tell them to participate because it is someone else's birthday.

pinktrees I realise that at that age, they should just join in but I remember one party a few months ago that had a sports theme where one particular boy who really does not enjoy sports (he is more of a creative child) was sat at the side looking totally miserable for most of the party. I would feel guilty if that happened at DS1's party as, rightly or wrongly, I feel responsible for the children having a good time.

If your DS really wants the football party then surely he should get the choice. I'm sure he won't get a say in his friends party venues.
If some of the invited children really don't want to do it then they don't have to come to the party.

I agree with notso.
DS1 would hate a football party, but I would not expect his friends to change their plans around him. The birthday child should get what they want IMO. But your DS should be aware that some of his friends might not come to a football party. If they are close friends then you could organise a separate get together after school one day.

I agree with Notso and Sarky.
ds wanted a swimming party when he was 9. His best friend at the time hated (was terrified of?) water. However, it was ds's party, and his friend chose not to go, which was fine. Most 5 / 6 yr olds will go and 'have a go' at something, but if there's a reason they don't, then it's their choice to decline the invitation.
You don't get many opportunities in life where you get to choose what you do with your friends, so I think a few birthday parties is a good time to do so.

This prob goes without saying, but make sure you don't change the invitation list on the basis of the party theme. DS1 was not invited to a couple of parties because the mums of his friends (girls) assumed that he wouldn't want to come. He was very hurt not to be invited.

could you talk to the parents of the children who are good friends with your child but do not like football and say that he wants you to be there but it is a footie party and see what they say. That way you offend no one and then those that would rather not come don't end up being miserable.

Could you suggest leaving it a year, by which time the girls will no longer be so likely to be invited, the boys not so keen on football might have got more used to playing it, and your ds2 can join in too?

My dd loves climbing (on those climbing walls!) and wanted a party at the climbing centre. I was worried too about kids not liking it - would have been my idea of hell as a child. But it was fine they all enjoyed it. I would invite as normal and leave it up to the invitees and parents to decide if they want to go. Hopefully in a couple of years he will move to smaller parties anyway.

Is that the only possible venue? DS has been to football / general sports parties at our local sports centre, and the staff make it interesting and inclusive for everyone. If the staff are good, they should be able to engage even those (like my DS) who aren't really bothered about football.

..and definitely include the girls .