15 things no one warns you about children's parties

Times have changed, and birthday parties have moved on from six friends playing hunt the thimble in your parents’ front room and a bowl of jelly and ice cream.
Now, your weekends are a blur of leisure centres and village halls.
Chuck some soft play or a bouncy castle into the mix, quadruple the numbers, multiply the excitement levels and standby for a noise and sugar-related headache…



1) Social niceties
You get stuck into to conversation with a really nice mum. But you can’t remember her name or that of her child. Awkward. 


3) Boiling hot fun
Your child sweats more than you thought possible as he tears around, hair stuck to his face. 


6) Let me entertain you
The person booked to entertain the kids will either excite children to the point of hysteria or terrify them. It’s a fine line. 


8) Fun and games
Pass the parcel can other be completely harmonious or provoke large-scale ructions. 


9) Feast or famine
The food is usually impressive fare which – irritatingly – most of the kids ignore while your stomach rumbles. One savvy child however will always mine sweep the plates. 


10) Star baker
The birthday cake is epic. You hope it’s professionally made but your heart sinks when you realise it’s been home-baked.The pressure is on for your kid’s party.



12) Party of the century
Despite his sullen behaviour and constantly asking if it’s home time yet, your kid will swear the party was THE best event they have ever been to. Can you relate to any of these? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
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12 party bag filler ideas for your toddler's birthday party