Is inviting 27 kids to a 4 yo's party insane? - Page 2

[MamaMelis]

For me? Yes, that would be absolute torture to me.

For you? If it sounds like something that you want to do, go for it!

We keep birthdays small around here ~ we do a big first bday and then switch to small family or a few child celebrations ~

[Tjej]

That would personally overwhelm me. If you want to, though, and your kid will like it, then go for it.

The PP has a good point about the presents. Perhaps a book exchange instead of gifts or something would be in order.

Tjej

[noobmom]

We recently went to a party where the kid invited the entire grade--so about 40 kids. About half didn't come, but the community isn't as close knit as your homeschooling group, I suspect.

I would plan the party at the jumpy place and have fun!

I do know some people who like to invite the same number of kids as the age...so at a 4 yo party, there would be 4 friends, etc. That's a good way to limit things, but doesn't work so well when you have "groups" of friends.

[LaLaLaLa]

A little boy from our playgroup just turned five, and had his party at one of those jumpy places. After the jumping part, when we all sat down in the room for snacks and cake, I counted. There were thirty kids there. Eek! And most of the kids from our playgroup didn't go, and I'd assume there were also others invited from his church and preschool who also didn't go. I didn't ask my friend how many people would have been there if everyone had come.

The party was fantastic. The parents chatted in their own groups while the kids ran around like crazy and jumped. The people running the party were great, keeping the kids entertained and smoothing the whole gift-opening part. Nobody was overwhelmed; nobody ended up in tears.

Another friend from our playgroup is having a party, but only the older siblings are invited (age restriction on the place). We are not going, and I haven't even told my older child about the party at all. I can't bear to hurt my little one's feelings by letting him know that a friend from our playgroup is having a party but he isn't invited.

I'm in favor of inclusion, when possible.

[limabean]

I couldn't stand that, but if you're into big parties and you and your kid will enjoy it, go for it.

Originally Posted by LaLaLaLa

Another friend from our playgroup is having a party, but only the older siblings are invited (age restriction on the place). We are not going, and I haven't even told my older child about the party at all. I can't bear to hurt my little one's feelings by letting him know that a friend from our playgroup is having a party but he isn't invited.

I'm in favor of inclusion, when possible.

See, it wouldn't even occur to me to not let the older kid go to the party in this situation. I'd just matter-of-factly explain to the younger sibling that kids have to be ages 5 and up (or whatever) to go there, and I'd take the little one to do something else fun while big bro was at the party. No biggie. All the birthday party politics that I'm finding out about now that DS is school-aged are baffling to me.

[momtokea]

27 kids?? <shudder>

[One_Girl]

I had a party with 12 one time and I felt like that was even to many. I think you should invite the kids in the families you are closest to and not the rest. Maybe you could bring cupcakes to the homeschool co-op or the Mom's group and celebrate with them that way.

[dawningmama]

That would have been way too overwhelming for any of my 3 kids at that age---to be the birthday kid or to be in attendance. But I know there are many kids out there who would not bat an eye at that number. I'd choose 2 or more smaller parties/get-togethers.

[ElliesMomma]

yes, i think so.

ps: and sounds expensive(!) to do it at a jump place, or is the nature center a low cost alternative? and to entertain all the parents, too... are you planning to provide food?

my daughter is going to be 4 in april, so i'm right there with you on child's age... and i would agree with PP's that 27 is an overwhelming number of "friends". is it really necessary to invite every person in your mom's group and whatever the other playdate group was?

we have our children's parties here at home, we have a 2 acre yard with a swing set and some riding toys for kids, sandbox, etc. our kids have seven cousins, most of whom come over, plus some other young relatives, seven neighbor kids, and my good friend's daughter... and i think this year, i will invite one or two new friends (DDs friends, with moms that i like) from the library and her preschool. sometimes it adds up to 15 or so kids. but we pick and choose pretty carefully (except for family) as to who to invite. i like including the neighbor kids every time since of course they are ideal playmates and the kids will all be riding the school bus together in a few short years.

good luck with your plans!!

[Hoopin' Mama]

I say go for it!

I think you should decide what's more important to you and your LO - having it at then nature center or including everyone. This year I chose to include everyone b/c we will all be attending separate schools next year. I got a little overwhelmed, but it was worth it!

[Hoopin' Mama]

Originally Posted by snoopy5386

thanks everyone for your input. I'm still on the fence. At the very least we would do 20 at the nature center (just not sure which 20) so the difference between 20 at the nature center and 27 at the jumping place is not too big. I'll be 9 months pregnant at the time of the party - that is why we are having it out somewhere. Believe it or not these are kids that we socialize with on a regular basis. We have a great and large moms group here and I see these folks all at least once a month if not once a week. And it is not just other kids parties we've been invited to - it is parties we have attended.
For those who have had large parties - how did it go? Did the bday child even know that all the kids were there?

I bow down to you that you are even attempting this at 9 mos pregnant.

Ds loved his big birthday party! He remembers everyone that was there, although there was a definite divide with genders. It was at my house and the boys ran around a lot while the girls played in the playhouse and stuff.

I am in the same situation as you, where the preschool group is close and socializing with everyone is the norm. It was a really fun day, although I would definitely limit it to 2 or 2.5 hours with that many kids.

I have written "your presence is present enough" on invites, but people bring them anyway. I would recommend not opening gifts at the party.

ETA: I have some easy food tips, but since you are not having it at home I don't know if my suggestions would be helpful.

[ThoughtFullMama]

Originally Posted by snoopy5386

thanks everyone for your input. I'm still on the fence. At the very least we would do 20 at the nature center (just not sure which 20) so the difference between 20 at the nature center and 27 at the jumping place is not too big. I'll be 9 months pregnant at the time of the party - that is why we are having it out somewhere. Believe it or not these are kids that we socialize with on a regular basis. We have a great and large moms group here and I see these folks all at least once a month if not once a week. And it is not just other kids parties we've been invited to - it is parties we have attended.
For those who have had large parties - how did it go? Did the bday child even know that all the kids were there?

Um, wow. You are WAY more brave than me. That sounds like a huge event to plan when 9mo pregnant. Good luck!

[eepster]

Considering that your going to be 9 months pregnant, the bounce place might be a lot less work.

IME planning DS's b-day parties, places like Nature centers provide you space and a person to tell the kids about nature, and that's it. You have to provide all the food, decorations, favors, etc. Also you have to do all the set up and clean up (at the one near us you even have to take any garbage away with you.)

At more focused party venues, you really just have to show up. Some go as far as even providing the favors and cake/cupcakes.

[octobermom]

For us its way too much, the cost alone would kill us I spent around $60 just for my DD 7th birthday party at a local park with a total of 5 kids and 6 adults (including my family and my inlaws) ..cost went for for reserving a ramada at the part a necessity in my area like $25 the cake a few bags of chips some water bottles and I made some sandwhiches and had a container of juice boxes for the kids.
Also I so don't want 27plus gifts to contend with.

Deanna