Are other kids' birthday parties a scam?

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#1

Are other kids’ birthday parties a scam? Not so much for regular members of your social circle. But for, say, classmates. I have a definite opinion, but I’m curious what others think about it.

And I’m certain there’s a newer circle of hell that’s pretty much like Chuck E. Cheese – you can smell the pizza, but it never arrives. And the music is [poopy]. And they have Space Invaders, but no Galaga.

And, to be fair, in this day and age, the whole tradition of thanks-for-attending-the-party counter-gifts does make it far less of a scam.

#2

No. Kid’s birthday parties have young moms who are delighted (IYKWIM) to talk to anyone who can go two sentences without using the word “poopy”.

#3

Horrible and boring…but not a scam. My 4 year old has two birthday parties in the next two weeks and I am not friends with the parents so it’s boring and awkward (and the parents of her classmates are all a lot older than me) but the kids seem to have fun.

#4

Good points, all. Horsephoto, welcome to the boards. My answer was “Hey, what are you gonna do?” Which, I think, pretty much concurs with yours.

#5

Guess I am not welcome at these parties.

#6

I’m sure you would be. You could entertain the kids.

#7

You make fun but that’s what I get stuck doing.

All the moms drink coffee, diet soda, and smoke while I’ve got a kid on each leg, holding each arm, and around my neck. My muscles never ached so bad after playing four quarters of Football.

#8

You just described every visit to my nieces and nephews… their aunt is for hugging, their uncle is for wrestling.

The boundless energy of youth + military career ending injuries = one tired and hurting uncle by the end of the day. But they have fun, and I have ibuprofen.

#9

I wish, all the moms at my daughter’s parties are older than me and know each other. My mother went to an open house at her school and thought all the parents were grandparents. I have yet another tomorrow. Did all these people coordinate their pregnancies? Thankfully my daughter was born in August. Thus no party.

Mean mommy,
Oni

#10

As a mother of two children, ages 16 and 13, who has friends with children, I can only say it is a hell of your own making. I voted Hey…

Here’s the thing. No child’s birthday party, whether your own kid’s or a friend’s, is enjoyable for an adult. Alcohol can help, but it only goes so far. What I’ve learned-

-Pizza, soda and cake- the holy trinity of edibles

-2 1/2 hours TOPS! Believe me, you’ll want everyone to go home after fifteen minutes anyway, don’t punish yourself.

-No rented- clowns, performers, bouncy jumper things, caterers or extra seating. Kids just want to run around and play, let them. All that extra craaap is showing off for the other moms.

Graduate to sleepover parties, then you take an Ambein and all is good.