I have a boy who will be 4. Should I invite friends & family to same party, or have 2 different parties?

Should I invite my son's friends and our family to the same party, or have 2 separate parties? I don't know what the norm is. (I accidentally put this question in the grade-schooler section earlier...sorry for any confusion, I'm new at this!)


Thanks!
I have a boy who will be 4. Should I invite friends %26amp; family to same party, or have 2 different parties?
I do a combined party. Your family will love to see your son interacting with his friends and seeing how happy he is with them. He should know everyone in his world loves him on that day.





Plus, why set up, clean up, and plan twice?!?
Reply:I threw a party for my nephew who was turning five in May.Both his friends and family were at the party.I set it up where there were food that kids liked along with more adult foods as well. I rented a bouncing castle,clown and three baby sitters to play games with the kids while the adults socialized as well.I feel as if I would have ran into more expenses had I had two separate parties and besides the party is for the child.Would you enjoy a second birthday party with just adults if you were four.Have one good party where your son can have fun socializing with his friends and family all at once.
Reply:2 parties
Reply:It depends on what type of family you have, I guess. If you have a more uptight family that is not used to chaos, you may want to have two separate parties. Personally, *I* would want to have just one party and get all the mess and craziness done at once.
Reply:I would have two different parties.
Reply:it depends where you ar planning on having the party and the type of party. my friend had a party for her daughter at a little gymnastics place for toddlers and the adults/older cousins seemed pretty bored and out of place. as long as it's an event where people of all ages and relations can find something to do, it's fine to combine.
Reply:It would depend on how many friends and family. I have 2 boys, and we have always had just one big party. Most of our family lives far away and can't come unless it is planned in advance. Having one party does save on expenses, but if space is an issue, two may be better. OR you could have a party for friends and then a special dinner for the family. My kids just like having everyone there at the same time.
Reply:It depends on your child. If he would be overwhelmed by too many people, have separate parties. If he doesn't mind larger groups of people, just combine it into one party. Also, what is more manageable for you? If it's a challenge (and you don't have any help) managing a bunch of 4 year olds, you won't be able to see to the family members' needs. But if you have help, or self-sufficient family members, having one party may be fine. It really depends on your child and your family. If you have sisters or your mother or mother-in-law who can help with the party you needn't do everything yourself.
Reply:just have one party and invite all
Reply:I had two parties. For his friends, we had a crazy, chaotic time. Then we had a family party which was also crazy and chaotic because that's just how our family is but it was a smaller party. For friends we did cake and snacks. For family we did dinner and cake. We kept it simple and both parties didn't cost a lot.