Kids Partys

[fruitsalad]

I have noticed recently, how parents go over the top when giving their little darlings a birthday party, when I was a kid you were lucky if you got jelly and ice cream and a pass the parcel game.

[Buenchico]

I overheard a neighbour telling someone that he though he might 'have gone a bit over the top' with the £2000 he spent on fireworks for his daughter's 6th birthday.

Many parents though now seem to take the (probably wise) decision to get lots of squabbling kids well away from their own house by booking parties at leisure centres, swimming pools, trampoline centres, activity centres, karting tracks, etc. That seems to make sense to me!

[fruitsalad]

Yes it does make sense, not sure I would want 30 odd kids running around at home, I just wonder how the parents are going to beat these lavish party's when the child reaches 15/16

[mikey4444]

The big difference between now and when I was a kid in the 50's and early 60's is that people generally have much more disposable income today.

I was lucky and appreciative of my jelly and cakes, and always enjoyed the games. Other Mums would help with the catering as well.

[Mamyalynne]

With our younger family members we always play it by ear, some years it has been a houseful with the usual sandwiches, cake and game - other years an outing for a few friends to bowling, pony riding or indoor skiing.

If you don't set anything in stone then you don't have to constantly try to better it.

[mikey4444]

Buenchico....you must have some very wealthy neighbours, if they can even think of spending that kind of money on fireworks alone !

[Kathyan]

It isn't for the children it's for the bragging rights! I spent £xxx on my child's Birthday party this year, well I spent £xxxx!

[Mamyalynne]

It may well be for some, thankfully I've never met them.

[atalanta]

Local swimming pool, big cake, sack of crisps, lifeguards, and space for 150 swimmers. Cheapest and simplest birthday parties I ever threw, and the ones the little darlings most enjoyed. By miles. And, I might add, the ones which most thoroughly wore them out, to the point where they had no energy left to argue with anyone, or fight. Their friends even now remind me what superb parties those were. Who wants expensive ? I'd prefer fun , and memorable, any day.

[maggiebee]

My youngest grandson was invited to a party. He had to be delivered to the local woods where all the kids met. Parents were encouraged to stay. Grandson said it was the best party he had ever been at - treasure hunt, finding cones, leaves etc. and building dens. All that was supplied was drinks and a few sandwiches. Kids are still easily pleased with a little imagination.