Parents who expect a full meal at a kid's party are delusional

“There was a fully stuffed grazing board and cake. You’re lucky to get anything, mate.”

Ahhh, children’s parties.

Love them or hate them, as a parent, they are going to be something we need to deal with for many years to come.

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Planning a party

If there’s one thing more stressful than navigating a kid’s party, it’d probably be planning one. There’s finding the perfect venue that doesn’t require a small bank loan to hire, sending invites, entertainment and, of course, the food.

I was recently invited to a first birthday party at 2 pm, which to me signified it wasn’t lunch or dinner, but afternoon tea.

We ate lunch before the party and expected light refreshments like cakes and coffee for the adults and perhaps sandwiches and cupcakes, fruit and chips for the kids. 

When we arrived at the party, I was blown away by the incredible grazing table spread of fresh fruits, crackers, cheeses, cookies, olives, cold meats, sausage rolls, mini pies, sandwiches and cupcakes– ample amounts of food for the number of guests.

I mean, look out this spread!

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Having eaten lunch beforehand, I was happy picking from the grazing table but heard a few people ask if any other food was coming.

I also had a conversation with a family member twenty years older than me who said grazing boards weren’t filling and the party planner should have provided more hearty food options. 

We ended up having a pretty heated discussion that it was implied to not come to the party starving, given it was a 2 pm start, and while we new parents want to celebrate our children and their special days, the current costs of hosting a party are pretty ridiculous, and we do the best we can.

“Well, you shouldn’t have a party then,” she adamantly replied. 

I told her I disagreed, decided I wouldn’t continue the conversation, and walked away.

Image: Supplied

I followed up with the mum of said party and thanked her for inviting us to celebrate with her, and she told me she had decided it would be the first and last party she hosted.

“I felt like 99% were understanding that the food provided was afternoon tea,” she told Kidspot.

“It wasn’t like I skimped out on the food; there was so much, and we replenished it throughout the party, and it was never empty.

“But it was that 1% who really made me feel like I didn’t throw a good party for my daughter, and it kind of spoiled the day for me.

“When it comes to parties in the future, I’m done.”

Originally published as Parents who expect a full meal at a kid's party are delusional