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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

13th birthday party

15 replies

AuntLydia · 16/12/2017 14:20

My dd is turning 13 soon. She usually has a few friends over for a sleepover, incorporating a treat out somewhere. She's suddenly sprung on me this year that she'd like a disco. Now, I think it's probably too late to organise one but I also have some other concerns. She's quite a shy kid. She has a close circle of really good friends and I have no concerns about her socially but she isn't one of the 'popular' kids. I'm worried that if she asks to hire a hall for a disco we simply won't be able to fill it which will presumably make her feel a bit crap.

Part of her desire for this disco is she wants to dress up and be a bit glam for the night. What can I suggest as an alternative?!

OP posts:
ItsYuleyme · 16/12/2017 14:26

Can't think just now of alternative but please don't hire a place and have a disco. You can't guarantee how many will turn up, it's not worth the risk at her age!

Original poster
AuntLydia · 16/12/2017 14:28

No, I agree, it could back fire horribly. And she has such great friends too - very little of the drama and angst you sometimes hear about at this age. She knows that it's quality not quantity of friends that's important but I think she can't help but see photos of the popular girls in her year with their discos and kind of want the same.

OP posts:
Fekko · 16/12/2017 14:30

Our local bowling place plays loud music and jasspavsa where people just get up and have a dance (including the staff). Maybe somewhere like that?

WillowWept · 16/12/2017 14:32

I took my 13 year old for dinner at a local restaurant. There was a group of ten they all got dressed up and felt v grown up.

Probably not much more expensive than disco, hall and catering.

Fragglewump · 16/12/2017 14:34

I’m voting the other way. Good idea. My dcs went to lots of discos at this age and they are much easier to ‘police’ than in a couple of years time.......

Nelly5678 · 16/12/2017 14:35

Go out for dinner so she can be all glam that way?

Original poster
AuntLydia · 16/12/2017 14:50

Fekko, our local bowling place doesn't do anything like that but maybe a restaurant would?! So dinner as others have suggested and a dance kind of combined. I'll look into it thanks!

I take your point fraggle, I did suggest a disco next year but I think I'd be more worried about keeping tabs on 14 year olds. I just can't see how she'd fill a hall.

OP posts:
Fekko · 16/12/2017 14:53

Dinner would be great - maybe somewhere like TGIs or somewhere that has live music.

ItsYuleyme · 16/12/2017 17:20

AuntLydia, I just can't see how she's fill a hall!
This is the reason I suggested not to have a disco.
My Dgc went to a friend's disco at the same age, that not very many turned up to.

The girl was distraught, the birthday ruined and my Dgd's upset because their friend had been let down.

CedricDiggory · 17/12/2017 11:11

I’m 13 and most of the kids about this age when they have disco parties or similar they have people at the door and give out wristbands in advanced so only the people invited can get in. Going out for a meal is also a popular choice amongst my friends. Personally I would prefer a meal/sleepover rather than a disco. Quite a few people also get a limo or party bus to go to the restaurant or similar. That can be pricey though. Whatever you decided on I’m are your dd will enjoy if she’s with her friends anyway. It’s my birthday next week and I’m having a sleepover with my friend on Friday then my family over for the day on Saturday. I hope that your dd enjoys her birthday.

TidyBadger · 17/12/2017 11:29

Not sure I can compete with advice from an actual 13 yr old Grinbut just wondered if you could set up a small disco at home for her and some friends? Maybe empty out a dining room or similar if you have one?
You could string up fairy lights, have a playlist of her choice. Decorate the room so it's to her liking. Provide posh party nibbles and af punch if they want to feel grown up?
Just a thought...

MadeForThis · 17/12/2017 11:51

Some restaurants hire kareoke rooms? Get dressed up, dance and sing. 10 people would be plenty.

MadeForThis · 17/12/2017 11:51

Sorry about the spelling

Original poster
AuntLydia · 17/12/2017 11:56

My worst nightmare itsyule!

Thanks Cedric, I do like the idea of the limo if we could stretch to it. Have a great birthday and sleepover next week!

I am also liking the party at home and karaoke room ideas - I'm going to have a chat with her about those! Thanks all

OP posts:
Davros · 17/12/2017 23:34

DS was invited to a "recording session" for a party around that age. She didn't go as it's not her scene but I believe there was lots of singing, they were dressed up to make a video and general horsing around in glam gear. It was South London somewhere but I'm sure there must be others

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