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How much is enough, when it comes to throwing a party for your child?

Though it is common practice to throw very large parties for very small children, we have always been conflicted about the idea. These enormous parties involve between fifteen and fifty kids in an attempt to not leave anyone out. Articles in parenting magazines often note that the number of guests at a party should be equal to, or at least around the number of the child’s age. This makes us wonder which way to go—Following the experts’ advice by inviting three children for our three-year old child’s party, or inviting the fifteen or twenty kids that are invited to a typical blow-out birthday party.

The next conflict? What type of party to host---Growing up, a nice birthday party was comprised of a small handful of friends, cake and ice cream, and silly party hats and games. I remember playing pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs. Parties these days are a kid’s dream come true, with live entertainment and impressive events at fancy places. These parties involve a great deal of food, both for the kids and adults, and one heck of a grand finale in the form of an oversized birthday cake, perhaps large enough to feed an army.

What is the best kind of birthday party for a small child? What will make them happiest, a simple party with ice cream and cake, minimal decoration and a few good friends at home, or a large enough party to encompass everyone your child comes in contact with on a day to day basis?

The best option may simply be to compromise, to go big in some areas and to stay small in others. The guest list does not have to be huge, especially not with slumber parties, or a casual get together. But if you are planning a pizza party in the park, it may be exciting to invite enough friends to eat ten pizzas. For children who are too small to really understand the idea of a birthday party, try to keep the guest list small, and the party intimate. There is no real need to go all out when your child likely will not remember much of the party a few years later.

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