Seeking Advice on My Daughter's Second Birthday Party.

I have a 4-year old daughter. For her first birthday, it was a huge bash at a park with friends, and a separate party for family only. That was WAY too much. Over the years I have learned to not invite MY mom friends who happened to have kid's my daughter's age. It became obvious as they got older that the kids didn't know each other much, and why were they at a party together?

Recently at her 4th Bday, I invited only her close playgroup friends and a few friends from school. Siblings were invited because I think until the kids are old enough to be dropped off at a party alone (maybe 7??), at least one parent and the siblings should be considered to be part of the package.

Anyways, my daugher had a blast at her party, and I think a big part of the reason was that she loved all the kids there. There were 17 kids including siblings - about 10 kids her age. For us, this was just right.

I have recently read that kid's Bday parties are becoming so huge - families spening thousands and thousands of dollars for each kid, each year. It's so not necessary! Kid's can have fun in so many ways. Keep it simple and have fun - good luck!

Hey M., i had started a reply and lost it, look i would keep things simple until your daughter is old enough to remember her party and old enough to appreciate it. the only older kids i had at my kids partys, were cousins, if she's going to be 2, i would say anywhere from 2 to 4 years old, and no it's not rude, you have so much space, time and money.
if you have some really close friends that you usually do stuff with them, thats different, well have a fun party, and let me know how it goes. J.

If they are truly your friends they will completely understand.....

Its recommended to limit guests to your childs age plus one, when inviting children to a birthday party. So, for you it would be three kids her age. Otherwise, she might become overwhelmed and not enjoy the party. I would really try to scale the party down and maybe throw an adult only party later in the summer for you and your friends. We throw an adult only party every Halloween and all our friends love it because its a chance to get out and leave the kids with a sitter.

How about the park? You can usually reserve the shelters for next to nothing, the kids will have a place to play and have fun.

I had a big blow out for the first one,

less people on the second and just had even fewer on her third. You don't have to explain....however....if you invite kids....it is rude in my opinion to expect the parents to ditch the siblings and expect them to get a sitter for them.

If I invite my daughter's friend Sarah, then her little sister Megan is invited too.

You don't have to explain anything unless they ask you. Remember, this party is for your daughter, and while at age 1 it's more for the adults, now she can really enjoy it. Having that many guests would be far too overwhelming for a two year old. I would limit it to no more than 5 other kids, maybe even leaving out the kids under 1. You can even nicely suggest to the parents that they leave older siblings at home. Other than the child's grandparents and aunts/uncles, I wouldn't invite any other adults (other than the parents of the other children) either. If you want to have a party, have a party, but your child's birthday needs to be a little more focused on what your child wants and will enjoy.