I gave my kids a birthday party each year from the time they turned 4 and the last party was when they turned 13.
I found that the best idea was to have a party with set times so drop off at 2.30 and pick up at 5. For the first half hour or so the kids will be being dropped off and my kids were always taught to take the gift and say thank you and place it on the coffee table. Once everyone had arrived or once we reach 3pm which ever comes first then we open gifts. The kids love to see what each gift is and this kills some time. Then you can have games like pass the parcel and mintie hunts. One year I set up a tarp outside and had loads of cheap bits and pieces from the dollar store like glitter, shells, feathers, beads, etc and I gave each child a little cardboard box to decorate. The kids loved doing this and I couldnt drag them away.
For food we had things like Plates of watermelon slices, fairy bread, ham sandwiches, party pies, sausage rolls, little sausages, pizza slices as well as a bowl of chips. At about 4.15 call the kids in to eat and have balloons and little lolly bags fort hem to take home.

I find that its really not that bad as I know when my kids birthday is so months before I look out for specials on lollies and party pies, loaves of bread that i can freeze, 100s and 1000s, etc

there will a point in time where i can ask my boy if he wants a party or a nice vacation.. he can choose then.

We have 8 children, including twins, and we could not possibly have a birthday party every year. We like to alternate years and as they get older just have little get togethers with only a few chosen friends.

I give my children a party every year if that is what they would like. Parties at home don’t have to be expensive. We play games, have craft activities, watch DVDs, cook and have a sleepover. We see it as them being able to enjoy the company of their friends. It’s so much more expensive to outsource the cake, venue, activities etc.

Do what is right for you, your family and budget. They do get very expensive.

We live in a rural area so, yes I was guilty of giving them a birthday party every year until they turned 15. It was never a big thing. They would invite their friends (6 was the most that could make it) and it would just be cake and special treats, a couple of games and then their parents would pick them up. Most of the parents would stay though and while the kids were enjoying themselves, we’d be having a coffee and chat. It was just a time for them to spend time together out of school out of school hours

These days organizing party is very expensive .i have 2 children .we r celebrating but only with family members.don’t be harsh on yourself.

I’ve learnt the hard way to only do milestone parties. It really is just getting too much.
Just had a friend sworn $1500 on a 7 year olds party at the local indoor water park!
Now that’s just outrage and is going to send parents broke

birthday parties should be milestone only, otherwise it’s too much and not as special and they come to expect and not appreciate.

No way, you’re not a mean Mum. Our kids don’t need a party every year. We certainly acknowledge birthdays each year with cake and a celebration of sorts, but parties are for special birthdays – 1, 5 (first year in prep), 10, 13, 16, and 18. And mind you, I think we missed some of those and opted for something else my son preferred. Always spent with love and cake though.

You don’t have to throw a big nonsense party but celebrate with family and friends even if just small and casual. Great memories to be had and missed out on otherwise

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 11 Apr 2019 , 7:40 am

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  I agree ! Birthday decorations, birthday song, presents, treats, family and a special meal can make a simple but beautiful day.

These days it seems you have to invite the whole class and then you are invited to all their parties. This can work out extremely expensive as you have to purchase presents each time. I think the time has come just to invite a few best friends and enjoy the time at a local park or when they get older a sleepover.

As our kids got older, we started offering the alternative of a treat with one or two friends.

Totally understand. None of my 4 kids had a party this year.

God I don’t blame her. It’s s tiring and costly every year

Parties can get so expensive, my kids get 3 parties each one in kinder, year 3 and year 6.

I believe do what you are comfortable with. As it’s on you!
A party can be 6 kids. The music balloons streamers etc all the same effort.
But this year my expected miss 10 (now) only wanted two friends out for dinner. I was thinking yah! As I was thinking party. Some are party queens as mums that’s ok too, it’s their thing. Don’t compete.
If your child really wants that party just remember doesn’t have to be masses of guests.

Parties can get so expensive. We wont be doing one every year as both kids are around christmas. Only special birthdays, then maybe a friend sleepover or movie day with 1-2 friends instead of a party

I don’t think she’s mean at all. You don’t necessarily need a party. There are plenty of ways to celebrate a birthday.

I only do parties for significant birthdays. Family dinner and a couple of friends in between

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 09 Apr 2019 , 4:31 am

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  Significant birthdays are indeed important to celebrate but others do not need to be high profile celebrations.