Does Anyone Else Not 'Really' Do Birthday Parties For Preschoolers

[sloane]

We did a party for ds who just turned 3 and that was his first 'party' as such - usually we just have dinner with close family and often a playdate with mum's group kids to celebrate all their birthdays cos they're all within 2 weeks). Our playgroup allows members to use the centre on a saturday so it was perfect - as you said there is outside & toys inside as a contingency. For us it was basically playgroup on a different day because there were only a few extras on top of pg kids.

I don't think parties are necessary to make a birthday special & I don't think you HAVE to have one. We did this year because 1. He hadn't had one before 2. He had a big change this year with dd being born and I wanted to make his birthday a bit special 3. We could use playgroup (so I didn't have to spend time cleaning and tidying) 4. Our playgroup session is 2 mother's groups combined and so half have known him since he was 10 weeks old and the others since he was 8 months and I know all the mums really well as well as the kids.

In your situation I probably wouldn't be having a party (and I'm guessing that will be us for the next couple of years).

Your local playgroup may not hire out the centre because of insurance - we only let members use ours bevause they have to be playgroup victoria members and the insurance covers them. If you're a member though it might be ok.

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[myturn]

DSD only ever had family parties until school. And she doesn't have one every year either.

Personally I think all parties in those first few years are because parents want to have them rather than kids.... They don't really play 'together' much and sharing is still difficult.... So making it a special day for just you guys is great!

But think also... If you take her to the city, see Annie... And do a whole inch of things at this age..... What will you do at 10 or 15???? Be careful that you don't make it too hard for yourself and set up something you cannot maintain! Kids need tto understand that they can't always have it... Things come up,.. Lifeis difficult at times.... But mum and dad will make it special... even if it's just a dinner at home.

I do hope you feel better soon. But try not to feel guilty. You're teaching other life lessons by 'not' having a party. xx

[Netix]

Fiona, .

I don't think that you need to do a birthday party, especially at home if you can't get the house clean/tidy without rendering yourself more injured by doing so. What I have done for my kids is just make cake and take it to their daycare (they were both in the same daycare over their birthdays, so it worked well for the kinder room for dd), as I didn't see the point in trying to do a party elsewhere. They each loved it. I think it would be a great idea to either talk to the preschool if you could do the same (and they'll sing happy birthday), or talking to the playgroup for a saturday time would also be good.

It is a bit difficult in Woodend to do things outdoors over the next few months, I know the weather there, so I can't really suggest any other alternatives. I hope you can find something that suits your plans without being too much of a stretch, you don't want to remember this celebration for further hurting yourself.

[Boo Boo]

Just to say I love the Annie idea and stay in a hotel, any little girl would be thrilled to do that...whatever you do will be perfect for your DD...

[myturn]

Just to say I love the Annie idea and stay in a hotel, any little girl would be thrilled to do that...

I just think it's too expensive for a 5 year old... and I am not sure they developmentally can appreciate it.... BUT

whatever you do will be perfect for your DD...

I totally agree with that! She will be happy with whatever you do!