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I have severe anxiety about hosting parties.... help!

Before I had children every birthday party I tried to have for myself was a disaster... I stopped having "parties" and just went and did something fun with a few friends.

well now I have a son... and he is going to be having a birthday party on the 26th. He is turning one years old. I invited a my SO's side of the family, my side, and some of my friends. About 8 of my friends... and some of them are childhood friends whom I don't talk to too often.. and some of them don't know eachother.

I am getting nervous about this...I feel really uncomfortable if people aren't having fun. Like it is my full responsibilty to make sure they are entertained. I am having the party at my mom's house. She has a giant trampoline, a grill, and two swings and a slide... with a fort type thing. idk.

Should I play music? Should I set up a kiddie pool? Will it weird people out if I "try too hard"... cause that's what seems to happen... Any advice.. party idea's or what's the best parties you've been too. This is going to be an odd group of people together.

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Anonymous

Asked by Anonymous at 1:20 AM on May. 17, 2012 in General Parenting

Answers (7)
  • First of all, it's about your son and not you. You've invited a lot of people for a first birthday in my opinion. Next time, I'd scale it way back but what's done is done. I think it sounds fun. Music is fine, kiddie pool is fine as long as everyone is watching the kids. Keep in mind their safety. Might be one less thing to worry about if you didn't have a pool. Kid toys outside and/or kid "stations" where they can color, create something, etc. might be an idea. Are you serving alcohol at this party (I ask since you've invited adults), if so, have a glass of something so you're relaxed. Adults RSVP to parties knowing (or should know) that they might not know everyone or be comfortable. You will be busy. Be a gracious host, make sure everyone has food/drink and a small chat with you but the focus is the birthday boy. You can always pull the "mom" card to get away from situations if you must. Be well prepared-so no nerves.
    Anonymous

    Answer by Anonymous at 1:25 AM on May. 17, 2012

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  • yes.. there will be alcohol. I am currently bf'ing though, and he still nurses at least every three hours. I might be able to slip in one drink maybe.... thanks for the coloring idea.
    Anonymous

    Comment by Anonymous (original poster) at 1:29 AM on May. 17, 2012

  • I look at it this way, I am there to make sure the KIDS have fun, if the parents need to be catered too- so sorry, not happening. I will be a gracious and happy hostess but my and her friends are the one the party is really for.

    The set up you described is great, you could get a deck of cards out or corn hole etc for the adults, have child friendly snacks and adult friendly snacks. make sure everyone knows that while there is alcohol that there are children present and everone needs to stay composed.
    luvmygrandbaby

    Answer by luvmygrandbaby at 1:43 AM on May. 17, 2012

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  • Honestly next time I wouldny invite that many friends. I get inviting family but for DDs we had 3 adult friends and 3 kids. That was it.
    AF4life

    Answer by AF4life at 1:48 AM on May. 17, 2012

    Credits: 161607 Level 43 1 star1 star1 star General Parenting Major
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  • Just chill. The only person whose happiness matters is your sons. I also think you invited too many people. But that's ok. My son is 3 and I've kept it to mostly family and family-like friends. Make points of interest for people to talk about. Look for cute snack ideas online, creative, etc. This day is about your son, celebrating his first year of life. If any adult who attends and doesn't feel entertained they can piss off. It's a kids birthday. Who the hell goes around saying "Oh Jeezus that 1yr olds party was a bust." :p

    Just relax and celebrate baby's big day.
    xXMarlyeXx

    Answer by xXMarlyeXx at 2:11 AM on May. 17, 2012

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  • What xXMarlyexX said ^^^
    onelove1982

    Answer by onelove1982 at 2:34 AM on May. 17, 2012

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  • Relax and don't force anything. Make sure you are prepared with food and just let people mingle and get to know each other. If you know that some people have things in common you can mention it and let them figure things out themselves. My daughter's 1st birthday was a combo birthday/open house for us. We had over 100 people, new neighbors, family and friends and lots of kids. It was over Labor Day weekend. We set up tables, had a buffet of food set up for everyone and just let them have their own fun. It was a great party.
    robinkane

    Answer by robinkane at 6:50 AM on May. 17, 2012

    Credits: 195258 Level 45 1 star1 star1 star General Parenting Major
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