Wwyd: Three going on four year old says he only wants a family birthday party?

[Anonymous]

DS is turning four in september, and I’m thinking about his birthday party. I’ve asked him twice and both times he says he wants a family party with “just you guys” (which is sweet and I wouldn’t mind.) he’s been to a few birthday parties and has friends in school, camp, and on our block. Should I take his word at face value and not plan a friends party- or will a little kid change their mind the day of? Anyone been in this situation?

[Anonymous]

Take it at face value. What if he gets upset or grumpy on his birthday because it isn’t just a family party? A little regret about not inviting friends is something he will get over and there is always next year.

[Anonymous]

I’d be thrilled to save the money. Nobody wants to come to a four y/o birthday party. You can ask the teacher if you want to bring cupcakes to school. She’ll need at least a week’s notice, in order to notify the parents of kids with allergies, diabetes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Take him at his word. Big parties are overwhelming at that age.

[Anonymous]

If he's sad about it, just plan a special outing for him and a few friends later.

[Anonymous]

Save the big parties for when he’s older and will remember it.

[Anonymous]

Take him at his word but also ask again a month before his birthday. September is forever away for a 3 year old.

[Anonymous]

He’ll be fine. Make it a special time with family. We never had the “entire class” party for our two kids. They’re in their teens now and are perfectly fine.

[Anonymous]

Enjoy the year of not having to do big birthday parties

[Anonymous]

Definitely take him at his word. Have a family party and do something special/memorable with him but do not give him a party.

[Anonymous]

OP he is four omg family party why are you even rethinking this?

Please be a better parent and listen to your child. UGH.

I despise when people keep asking. You asked he answered respect him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take him at his word but also ask again a month before his birthday. September is forever away for a 3 year old.

+1 Nothing wrong with a family party. But I agree that July is a little early to lock a preschooler into this answer. I also don't know why you've asked him twice already when his bday is several months away.

[Anonymous]

I think it's great. That was the year my DD wanted a "big" party with friends and it also coincided with the first few months of Covid. She was super sad and I felt awful for her even though there was not much I could do (we celebrated with people over Zoom but it's not the same to a 4 yo).

This year she told me she ONLY wants a friend party and doesn't want a party with just family. It made me kind of sad.

Anyway, enjoy it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take him at his word but also ask again a month before his birthday. September is forever away for a 3 year old.

+1 Nothing wrong with a family party. But I agree that July is a little early to lock a preschooler into this answer. I also don't know why you've asked him twice already when his bday is several months away.

Only because I’m not totally comfortable doing an indoor birthday party yet with Covid and would need to think through a suitable alternative if he did want a party with friends.

[Anonymous]

I think kindergarten (or turning 6) is a great time to start having bigger parties. My kids were not interested at all before then. It’s WAY too overwhelming.