Totally at a loss to understand childrens' parties - why are they all entertainment and crap food for the kids, rather than a celebration of our children by those who love them?

[catASTROPHE]

We've been to a few lately, and the more I thnk about the more I think it is WEIRD.

Whats the point of the party? To get those who love our children together and to celebrate them and enjoy them, surely.

Naturally, as some of the guests will be children, we will cater to their tastes as well.

But why the mountains of aspartame and salt laden food, and raucus games, and kiddy music, while the parents, godparents and adult friends stand around at the edge with a plastic cup of weak squash?

Honestly, I'm interested to know what the thinking behind these parties is.

but if your child said "mummy can i have my friends round to play games an dhave tea"

you would say "yes ok but my mates are coming too"

dejags it went very well at DS's 6th birthday. I thought maybe they would be too sophisticated but they enjoyed it interspersed with lots of running around.

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LOL I thought we had put the arguing bit behind us

yes that is exactly what I say to ds

Cod I think they need to grow down

really

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I like genuine children's music with some tradition behind it, or something modern that is good to listen to, with real instruments and singers and so on

same for children's books, anything well written aimed at children is a joy to read

but shitey shite packaged in pink and called "Kidz Musik!" is crap and we all know it is crap

and there are books the same.

I don't like all ds's friends' parents

and I don't like all my friends' children

They are kids not small adults, they like loud games and junk food and bad music. I don't really like parties full of junk and sweets but the odd sweet or cake never hurt anyone and it is a party afterall. If you want a party with your friends why not have a party of your own.

That's good to know Bozza - DS's class aren't the most sophisticated bunch and I think they will enjoy it (he will deffo have fun and is going to help with choosing the games etc).

I was at a loss for what to do - we had a bouncy castle and magician for his last party. It cost a fortune and I think we'll have just as much fun with old fashioned party concept.

We are going to play all of our kids CD's - and we have many (is this the new MN sackable offence ?)

Ah well just to be really poncey DH burnt a special CD for DS's party with various favourites of DS's on it - Oasis, Killers, Thunderbirds are Go, Razorlight etc.

I don't know. I've not been to a children's birthday party here or hosted one.

We're going away for DD1's birthday.

dejags I think as long as you have the space and let them burn off a bit of steam between games it works really well. And, of course, they actually get the concept. The pinata went really well too, although there are lots of photos with me with my arms spread trying to keep the other children back.

I was thinking four games over two hours (max). In between we'll have the birthday tea and they can just play (my house will probably be destroyed but what the hell).

There will probably be about 16 children (including mine).

The last party dd went to was great but I did snigger at the 'modern parents'. They had a pinata and the children were really struggling after having about 50 hits so the dad who should have been called Jeremy in fact i think he was took the stick off the children and was saying 'I'll let him have it' I swear it took Jeremy a good 50 hits to even make a hole and he was getting more and more exasperated and sweaty saying 'How the hell are kids supposed to do this?' in the end it fell down so he got his friend to hold it up. His friend was saying 'Gosh Jeremy I hope you have a better swing than you do at golf har de har de har'. The children looked bemused and a little embarrassed. I was sniggering in the corner ffs even the pass the parcel was wrapped in the Guardian. Not much relevance to the thread but I thought I'd share.

ledodgy

One very good reason to only invite children and not adults to your dcs' parties is that when you do make an idiot of yourself with the pinata or prancing round organising games with 20 children there isn't anyone around to snigger at how stupid you look.

it's easier to do all those children's games and activities without an audience.

The same party was extremley well organised but to a somewhat military level considering there was only about 8 children. They each got a name badge with a number on it as they entered the house then this number was then the order for all of the games so no.2 would play pin the tail on the donkey after number one and so on.. The children where 3 years old so it all got a bit confusing!

that's hilarious ledodgy

I do it because for one day a year I want them to be totally indulged and have exactly what they want.

At one year old when they are too young to express a view, then you choose what you want to do.

At 7 and 8, as mine are, they choose!

My role is purely to make whatever they want happen!

Family and grown up friends are covered in a different way as we always arrange a treat day out somewhere for their birthdays and family and grown up friends come along to that.

None of their friends parents would be the slightest bit interested in staying for the children's parties (although some did up until the age of 4 or 5 IIRC). If adults are going to be there then they are not the focus of the day (from 4 and onwards) so they get wine, cheese, olives and good bread to help themselves to, whilst I get on with the business of making dreams happen

ledodgy. That is where only deciding to do one at the last minute and frantically making it yourself, covering the dining room in papier mache and closing the door so DH can't see, comes in - the pinata is rather easier to smash. Agree with Fennel's very good point about not having an audience.

But PMSL at "I'll let him have it".

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lededoge that is hilarious

franny, i fidn it quite sad that you say "i dont like all ds' friends"

they are HIS friends not yours, you dont HAVE to like them, surely ds is allowed to choose his own friends

I agree with catASTROPHE. Children's parties have got out of control. In my experience they are souless and meaningless. Having a proper, loving, meaningful celebration which is also fun is totally achievable.

I think you raise a very good point CatA' that we have somewhat lost our way with parties.