Anonymous wrote:I threw a birthday party for my 10 year old son a few months ago as a first timer. It is really worth it, so far, he has been invited to a few birthday parties from those attended kids. I do not care if it is just a nice reciprocal gesture or what, and he is so happy that he gets invited. He lacks social skills, and he has not been invited to birthday parties for a long time before all these. I am wondering if I should keep up to throw a birthday party for him going forward?

I throw birthday parties for both of my kids every year. I think it's especialy important for my DS who sounds similar to your kiddo. I am glad he is happy to be included!!!

Anonymous wrote:Formal birthday parties planned by parents typically end by 12yo

6th grader is the common last formal birthday parties planned by parents in dmv area? Does anyone ever throw venue birthday party for middle schooler boys?

Formal birthday parties planned by parents typically end by 12yo

Anonymous wrote:Yes! I think all special needs kids (or even introverted kids) should have a large class birthday party thrown every year. It's probably the most helpful thing for making friends in early elementary.

However, as an introverted mom, throwing birthday parties is HARD. I have 3 kids with birthdays in a 2 week time period. I just cannot throw a party yearly for all 3.

Rotate around and do one kid's party a month early, one in the birthday month, and the third kid a month late. No one cares if the party is within a few days of the actual birthday.

You can even save any streamers and signs and reuse at each party. For house parties, I always put a HBD sign on the mailbox, across the front porch, and one in the lawn to help parents find our house. If their birthdays are in the warm months, have it outside. I've done treasure hunts with clues hidden around the neighborhood, all leading back to our house and the final "treasure chest" of water balloons, candy or a pinata. Don't forget a prize for whoever picks up the most balloon pieces!

I did a dog themed party once and hid little dog bones all over the yard like easter eggs. The kids loved finding them and we saved them for the neighborhood dogs. My kid asked the guests to bring pet food or supplies in lieu of gifts that we later donated to the shelter. And she even thought of this idea on her own.

In cooler fall or spring weather, you can rent a jump house. One year I held a backwards party and the kids did relay races walking backwards balancing spoonful's of birdseed and filling up a container. I taped a posterboard of a big tail and printed out small donkeys for a reverse pin the donkey on the tail game. We asked the kids to wear their shirts backwards and I did mirror writing "HBD" in icing on the cake.

These ideas get the kids out of the house and running off energy outside. Have a cake, juice and maybe pizza, and that will keep the kids happy. The ideas are endless and you can spend a little or a lot, like holding the party at an indoor play place.

Yes! I think all special needs kids (or even introverted kids) should have a large class birthday party thrown every year. It's probably the most helpful thing for making friends in early elementary.

However, as an introverted mom, throwing birthday parties is HARD. I have 3 kids with birthdays in a 2 week time period. I just cannot throw a party yearly for all 3.

Definitely keep up with throwing birthday parties, even if they get smaller and lower key as he gets older. I have a son who sounds similar to yours and making the effort to host has really helped him connect with other kids at his school.

We throw a birthday party every year, but only get invited to one or two. We do it because our kid likes it. She told me her ninth birthday party was the best day of her life and that was just eight kids at a climbing place.

It's worth it if your son enjoys it. If people don't reciprocate that is fine. Not everyone does birthday parties.

It is good for your son to learn how to host a party. Lots of practical skills for him.

It’s once a year. Ot csn be as complicated or simple as you like it. Yes, do a birthday party.
My kid will be 14 next week and still wants one. The last few years have been at our pool.

Did he like the birthday party or was it overwhelming for him? If he liked it, then of course keep doing it?

And has he been assessed for autism?

??? My kids have had birthday parties every year since they were one. Definitely worth it.

Yes, we have such fond memories of all the birthdays.

Of course! And maybe try a Halloween party or something if you want to add a party to the mix.

Yes! If your kid loved the experience and benefited by expanding his social circle then yes of course you should do it again!

I threw a birthday party for my 10 year old son a few months ago as a first timer. It is really worth it, so far, he has been invited to a few birthday parties from those attended kids. I do not care if it is just a nice reciprocal gesture or what, and he is so happy that he gets invited. He lacks social skills, and he has not been invited to birthday parties for a long time before all these. I am wondering if I should keep up to throw a birthday party for him going forward?