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Parenting after 35
Strunella
member
Birthday party newbie
Strunella
member
Though I change my mind every day, today, I have decided to have a first birthday party for DS. We'd like to keep it somewhat cozy and just have something at home. I'm only inviting friends with kids close to DS' age...but some of these kids have older siblings (a few three & four year olds and two seven year old boys).
Am I supposed to come up with something to entertain every age group? Like what? Maybe the 7 year olds can bring their digital gizmos and entertain themselves?! This is making my head spin!
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Re: Birthday party newbie
yes, i understand all of this completely. fortunately (as it turned out), we know very few people with kids the same age so her 1st bday party was HUGE but with family only and primarily adults and older kids. we did it at a pizza joint. and i have no regrets. it was absolutely perfect because at 1, they're clueless as to what's going on and don't really know how to play with other kids anyway. IMO.
this year, we're going to a little kids gym- much smaller party and kids only (from school and the few kids in the family near her age).
i guess my point is to just do what you want and try to have fun with it! don't stress too much about entertaining others. just have some food, drink, maybe some balloons and everything else will fall into place.
it won't be long now!!
click the pic (blog)
IMO, you don't need to invite your child's "peers" to a party at this early age. Sure, my kid has playmates, but I'd just keep it to family and a few close friends.
As for older kids... pop in a DVD in the living room, etc.
I think the older kids can entertain themselves. If you're really worried, you can stop by 5 Below or a Dollar Store and get a few puzzles, Mad Libs or coloring books on the cheap (as potential entertainment).
I've only done family birthdays (and with DH's family, that's 13 people -- plus us and my parents) and it gets overwhelming.
I say keep it simple.
Pizza is easy. Kids like it.
That is all.
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
We don't really have family other than our parents...DS has no cousins. And most of my close friends all have children much older than DS because they got started way earlier than I did. So, there are a few friends and then I thought I'd invite a few women I'm friendly with from my Mom's group (all with LOs around DS' age). We've all stayed in touch and their LOs are potential playmates when he does want some friends!
Good idea, Robyn. Just need some puzzles or coloring books for the older kids. I'm not going to do hired entertainment or anything like that. Probably just finger foods, pizza and cake.
I'm trying not to go overboard (as that is my inclination...I should have been a party or event planner). I do like to go "all out" but it's also added stress...you know, because the holidays aren't stressful enough!
I love this idea!
Strunella I wish I knew how to do a PIP. I would show you the ridiculousness that was J's first birthday. I think we had close to 100 people and it was a mad house! She has no clue now that she's older and I will never have a crazy party like again until her wedding!!!! Poor N will be lucky to get cake and ice cream!!! I would try www.sproutonline.com it has good craft projects for parties that "look" inexpensive.
GL,
JM