Do Parents like to Be Entertained at 1St B`day Parties?

Updated on July 21, 2010
J.B. asks from Nashville, TN
17 answers

(I was searching for an article that would answer this question, but didn`t find one.) I want to know if parents, in general, like to be entertained at a child`s 1st birthday party? And if so, what ideas does anyone have in mind?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the info! I`ve always wanted to know if parents cared to be entertained. I know now that I will keep it small, simple & short.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

I personally don't need to entertained at a 1st birthday party. I go for the child and to talk to all the other party goers. Have so great snacks and the party will run itself.

2 moms found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

Didn't read the other answers, so maybe I am repeating...I am NOT going to entertain parents at my son's birthday party. I am going to be a social butterfly, I am going to talk to everyone...but my first and formost most important thing is my son's first birthday!! That's who I am going to entertain and pay attention to. Hopefully you don't have too many people coming, that makes it very difficult. But, if you do have a lot then all the parents can talk amongst themselves!
L.

1 mom found this helpful

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

The 1st birthday is for the adults because they are celebrating the 1 yr old. The children don't remember it.

When we had our celebration yrs ago (daughter is almost 16 now) , I made Chicken Kiev, rice, and a broccoli dish for dinner. I had appetizers and drinks (champayne, wine, beer) and kiddie foods for the children who were there.

We just enjoyed mingling as a group of adults because most of us had children about the same age.

Enjoy!

2 moms found this helpful
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P.L.

answers from Louisville on

My personal opinion would be no, parents do not, or should not, wish to be entertained at their child's first birthday.

Even though a child is only turning One, it's still a milestone. What does it say when many years later, the only pictures of that 1st B'day party are of the parents being entertained?

I don't know of anyone who focused more on entertaining the parents/adults invited to a 1st b'day party than on the b'day boy or girl. When my son turned one, I invited mostly family and close friends. I bought a cake, the usual party decorations, and of course, there were presents.

It was a hoot watching my son open his presents, with help from Mom, of course. And I have many pictures of his cake-smeared face!

I didn't worry about entertaining the adults. After all, they were there to celebrate my son's b'day. But really, what can be more entertaining for the adults than to watch and laugh at the antics of a one-year-old?

I don't think adults should expect to be entertained. Again, it's not about them - it's about the b'day boy or girl.

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think that if you have plenty of food and drinks that it is more than enough. Pizza and juice boxes for the adults may be a bit disappointing for them. If you don't have a problem with it, a little wine/beer, a nice cheese plate, or a footlong hero always comes off well with the parents at a toddler party.

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J.A.

answers from Spartanburg on

LOL! My SIL and I have diff views of this...Depends on yr friends! We provided lotsa food and adults outnumbered kids 3:1 at my oldest's 1st. All went well. If yr friends and family don't have kids then make it more adult friendly. I know a couple that had a 1st bday in the game room (think pool tables and ski ball) of the local pub!!! THier little one was highly entertianed with the tables and bday cake while the adults played and drank. THink of it as a baby friendly adult party UNLESS you are inviting lots of kids! Then you will need some things for them to do so they don't bother thier parents! Food is the key, have adult food and something to distract/entertian the parent's kids with I think your all good.

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N.O.

answers from Phoenix on

I would say definitely as it is often more of a celebration of getting through the first year of a child's life, QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT! The children are too young to know, remember, or care so that would leave the parents:) I would hold it in the late afternoon/early evening and have food appropriate for adults and kids (if there are more adults than kids that is okay too). I would have wine or beer (in moderation) and appetizers and have the kids watch a movie or play with toys (depending on age spread of kids) and allow time for parents to chit chat and talk. I do not think it needs to be more than that but at that age the kids do pay much attention and are happy as long as their needs are met.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

It depends on what you are going to do. As long as you have some food for them, you're all good. You could have friends over to chill and BBQ while the kids play.

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

Ditto... 1st birthdays are for the adults. So, yes. But most adults are pretty easy to entertain. Food & drinks and they talk amongst themselves.

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K.H.

answers from Huntington on

My favorite early birthday parties have been those that were more like a seasonal party. In warm weather, they have been more like outdoor BBQ's, autumn ones more like tailgate parties. The parents at most just chat and watch the older kids play or my brother in laws watch football in the fall while us ladies chat on the porch. They've been a ton of fun and I never really planned much. Maybe b/c it is summer you could have horseshoes or some crochet if you wanted.

You didn't ask this, but I would suggest planning the party at a time when you can not skip naps. You want your lady or guy of the day to be fresh for pictures and cake. All the people and distruption can break down even the best kid, but it is worse if he or she is sleepy. I'd keep the party small - family and close friends. otherwise, your focus is on entertaining rather than enjoying the celebration.

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R.U.

answers from Nashville on

sorry but i think a big bash for a 1 year old is stupid. a fun family event is so much better. i promise the baby won't even remember but you will rem. the the stuff only family will think is important. good luck and god bless. mom of 7 R.

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E.M.

answers from Johnstown on

Watching the little ones was always entertainment enough for the ones we've had/been to. Just a cake and some ice cream and a baby going to town in those 2 items was always entertainment enough :)

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M.T.

answers from San Francisco on

We always have lots of friends over for bdays. I offer drinks, and lots of food.. I cant keep everyone entertained but we all seem to have fun.. and help watch all the kids... either put on a movie... or put out a few board games.

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S.R.

answers from Toledo on

Oh yes I want to be entertained. I want to be able to chit chat with the other adults and see the baby cover herself or himself in cake. Other than that.... you don't need much. I agree to provide snacks to munch on and with my little ones I get them their own tiny cake so we can all watch the baby have at it. Just relax and enjoy the show. Best of luck!

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

No. 1st birthdays are for the parents, Godparents and close family...It is a sentimental and personal memory that you, your close family and child will cherish when he/she is older....much older.

I suggest keeping it simple, small and not more then a few hours.

Blessings.......

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

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W.M.

answers from Nashville on

I wouldn't think you would entertain the adults/parents. I invited my friends and their children and I made sure the children were entertained. I did have food for both children and for adults and drinks for kids and tea, fruit punch, soda for adults. Each parent watches their own children. It is mainly for you and for memories b/c your child won't remember it. ;o)

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