How do you decide what to do for your child's birthday party? When do you have the first one, where do you hold it and what happens as they grow up? We had parties for both our boys starting with their first.
It's great fun but it's really all about the parents and grandparents at this age, but it leaves good memories with photos that the child enjoys as they grow.
The early parties as usually best held in your home when you are only inviting small groups of toddlers.
They are safe and easier to entertain with little games including prizes such as sweets.
At this stage the birthday tea is not really a priority as they will eat very little as they are excited and just want to play.
A few little sandwiches and cakes will do and, of course, a birthday cake! As they get older and want to invite more friends you may decide to hire a hall and either orgainise games or pay for an entertainer.
Tea is slightly more important as the children will eat more.
Party bags are often given out at the end of these parties and are expected by those who attend lots of similar events.
As the children get older they usually want to do an activity rather than have a party.
They like to go bowling, ice skating, swimming or go to the cinema and then have a meal to follow.
These gatherings are much less of a problem for the parents but don't actually feel like a party, which for mom and dad can feel a little sad as it's a sign their child is growing up.
Teenagers will want to do their own thing with friends, still funded by mom and dad of course.
Then before you know it you are back to orgainising a party again, this time for their coming of age, either at eighteen or twenty one.
And so it goes full circle.