Delayed 18th Birthday celebrations

[Passmeacoffee]

This is my 1st thread, so please be kind. My son turns 18 tomorrow, but I haven't had the time or money to organise any kind of celebration/party. He has special educational needs too. I was just thinking if celebrating in January with family/friends would be a crazy idea. I put off planning anything like a party/outing/meal due to time of year/expense etc. Also, I was worried I'd plan something, and it would be too close to Christmas to do anything. What would you suggest I could do to celebrate? He won't be drinking alcohol, as it doesn't interest him. He's just going bowling tomorrow, and possibly to McDonald's afterwards.

Ask him what he wants to do? My DS would be really happy with McDs and bowling. He hates parties so if I threw one it would be for everyone else’s benefit.

Would he enjoy an overnight trip somewhere?

Thank you. I don't think he would enjoy a big party. He'd be happy with the McDonald's, and bowling. I will try and see if he would like to do something in the new year. He may enjoy an overnight stay somewhere. He has ICT exams at college next month, so might wait to nearer February for that kind of thing.

I would definitely discuss with him and ask for his honest preference. I organised a family meal out for my DD's 18th birthday and she admitted a couple of years afterwards that she didn't enjoy it, hated being the centre of attention and everyone asking her a) what presents she'd received and b) what her plans were for the rest of her life! She said she didn't feel that she could say this at the time because all her cousins had had a similar meal out. I'd have happily provided some money for her and her friends to do something she actually wanted!

Happy birthday to your son for tomorrow. 🎉🎂

Will talk to him later, and see if he has any thoughts about it. He would hate to be centre of attention. He's an introvert. I think a meal with too much family there would overwhelm him. He definitely wouldn't know the plans he has for the rest of his life... I would provide money for him to do something he'd like to do. Thank you for your response.

How about an overnight stay at Port Lympne - see the animals up close and personal?

I will look into Port Lympne. Never been there before, but it looks lovely. Thanks for the suggestion.