Is the world going mad? - Birthday parties for 4 year olds?

[LuLu15]

Am I the only one who thinks the whole birthday party thing has got out of hand? My dd who will be 4 in June has already been invited to 8 parties this year with another one booked for next weekend. Because we live in a small town there is not much choice of venues and so by the time she turns 5 she will have been to every type of party there is. When I was young there wasn't all this trying to outdo everyone by having a bigger and better party. I now feel pressured into throwing a party for my dd when quite honestly I would be happy having a couple of her friends over for a tea party. I also feel like I have to invite all the children who invited her. Oh the intricasies of having children!

There is no need to have a party if you don't want one.

It is up to individuals what type of party, if any, they throw. DD has been to all manner of parties, all of which she enjys. yes, lots of different types but there really doesn't seem to be any competition to do "one better" and all that. Def no pressure either.

DD has had big parties for her 3rd, 4t, 5th and 6th birthdays. Why? Why not. DH and I are happy to do it. She has lots of friends from school (then nursery) and out of school, plus children of famiyl friends. Whilst DD is young enough we also use her party as an excuse to get together with some of our friends, who ahve chilsdren, and make a social thing out of it. Last 3 have been in a local sports hall - past two had free play and bouncy castle; last week's was a dance teacher leading the party.

We all had fun. The chilren had fun. And most importqntly DD had fun. What does it matter?

can't you have 10 friends for games and party tea at your house? I've done both and it's fine either way.

we had a party for my dd in the botanical gdns last year, was fab, for £28 I got a big patch of land and a hut and some picnic tables

thrown in a bubble machine and some balls and they were happy as pigs in muck whilst all the adults sat about eating some cake

it doesn't need to be anything fancy!
having a hired out place this year but only because I'll be 37wks pg and want people to arrive at set time and leave and not come back to ours (which is norm) and I can sit there and be lardy and miserable