Does my son's first birthday party have to include a lot of people? My husband and I were thinking just family. We are just not into a big thing, is this the wrong attitude?
I think I made a mistake by inviting too many people to my daugther's first year's birthday party. I should have just stayed with family, so I don't think you have the wrong attitude at all.
. I dont think that you have the wrong attitude. Some babies cant handle a big crowd anyway so a small family party might be best for him.
No way, it's a perfect attitude! A small family party for the 1st is absolutely appropriate. I've been to too many 1st birthday parties that are way too big and usually the one person who matters most (the tiny one) is the most miserable. I think the smaller the better, especially for such young children. I've done both (big & small) with my children and I can honestly say that the smaller gatherings are the most enjoyable. After the first birthday party for my son, I now write "No Gifts" on the invitations. I have 3 children who don't need another thing!! Having family join us in celebrating is enough of a gift!
It is not a good idea to include alot of people because that would be very overwhelming for a 1 year old. At my daughter's first birthday we only included very close friends and a few family members that were constantly involved in her life. A one year old doesn't understand what the big celebration is about anyways! Also, keeping the occasion at your home is the best thing to do at this age.
It's nice to celebrate with family. That's basically all we've done - though our families are pretty big so it ends up bigger than we'd maybe like. Little ones are overwelmed by all the people and don't really get what's going on so keeping it on the quieter side is a good idea. It's pretty unrealistic when people want to have lots of little kids and expect 1 year olds to play party games and such. Just enjoy it with your family.
No not at all. I think many parents have big first birthday parties for themselves rather than the child. My daugther is turning one next month and we are having immediate family only (her aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and great grandparents). As far as a theme, I don't know about your son, but my daughter doesn't know what she likes yet as far as Elmo or Jo-Jo, etc. I picked a very generic girl theme, not characters.
It's really up to you. There's no wrong answer.
Jen
Heck no!! You do what works for YOUR family and enjoy yourself!! Just take lots and lots of pics of each guest, the cake, gifts, and Birthday Boy so he feels like you made a huge deal when he gets older! More people doesn't mean you love him more. Go with your heart and have fun!
D.
I am a mother of 5 kids and can honestly say that these big shebang's that people throw are all for themselves. Not only does your child not know what is going on but they will not even remember it. I strongly feel that the first birthday should be celebrated with family and maybe some close friends if wanted. Take lots of pictures and get a free one year cake from your local grocery store so that your little one can make a big mess of it. Keep the gifts minimal because once again they really have no idea and would rather play with the box and paper than anything. Have fun and don't stress, you are going to have many many more to celebrate with the big parties. I think 5 is about when they really know what is going on and have a good time. I just through one last weekend.
Hi T.! I wouldn't be too hard on yourself if you're not up for a big party...he's only 1 & won't remember any of it. Next year may be a different story!
My son just turned one in Sept. & we had two big parties (one for each side of the family) & it was great to see all the relatives & everyone really enjoyed seeing our son (most hadn't seen him since he was first born) The upside to a large party is that we received A LOT of really nice stuff & $$ for our son...he was growing out of all his clothes & was at that point where he needed toddler toys (all we had were baby toys) so that was really great!!
Also, FYI, if you decide on a large party I have my own professional face painting business. Would love to send you some information if you're interested!
Take care & lots of luck with your son! Isn't this the best part of life?? I just love it!
Warmest regards,
G.
No, at 1 year old, it's easier to have just the family. When he gets older 3-4 yrs, he will appreciate having other children there.
Amen to what everyone else said. Big parties are for adults. I read once the best number of kids to have at a party is one per number of age. That is difficult to do, but keeping it small is a great idea. Nothing wrong with that.
T.,
for my son's first birthday we just had family there. (and not alot of family either) we actually had it a little early because my husband travels alot with work. we had the party at grandmas house while we were visiting in florida. (i think it meant more to my parents than anybody else.) we didn't make it big either. now for birthdays, we started the tradition of going out to eat somewhere fun, and having cake while we're out. (it really makes for easy clean up, and it's cheaper than throwing a party) you are the one that's going to remember his first birthday, so make it special as a family. hope this helps.
happy first birthday to your son, and to you for surviving the fist year :)
we did family parties until the kids were old enough to have friend and pick a theme,play games ect you have a realistic attitude
My son is having his first birthday next month, and we to are just having a small get together at home with close family and friends. I don't really think that it necessary to have a big party for first birthdays. The baby won't even know the difference . Have fun.
Actually, that is not the wrong attitude at all. For his first birthday, just family is perfectly fine, and pretty normal. Too many people will just overwhelm him and he won't remember it anyway.
i think you should do what makes you happy. if you are comfortable with just a few people so will your son.
I would definitely do something small for him. For my first born I did big parties the first couple of years and it's seems to me like a waste. Honestly at that age, the party is really for you. They don't seem to really enjoy opening presents, etc. They're not going to remember either. I stopped doing big parties and now that my daugher is about to turn 5 I'm letting her have a big party and inviting her friends from daycare. Do what you feel is right, but I don't think it's the wrong attitude!
This is entirely up to you. Whatever you are most comfortable with is the best way to go.
No, not the wrong attitude. You do whatever you and your family are comfortable with.
