A Princess Party  

It sounds like the little princess is spoiled.

They could buy some stuff and do the samething at home for 1/2 the price. And you are right, what will she want for sweet 16, there was a show on TV I saw a few years ago where people were talking 10s of thousands for sweet 16 parties.

Explain to me...where does that go for a wedding then.

You are right ...way too much, too soon.

Well if they can afford it than hey why not its their money. If I had the money I would do the same and make his 1 special day more special. Even simple parties do cost a lot when you take into account cake, candels, baloons, party bags, food, drinks and all the rest you will spend a lot. The 4 year old has just starting to make friends so you cant say yes she can come and he cant it is important to them to be invited. That is a time when they start school and friends mean a lot.

boy, this is a sticky question lol. Personally, I feel that such an expense as you describe is way too much. At 4 she is far too young to appreciate the cost. She'd be just as happy with these same things done at home, dollar store makeup and fancy clothes easily found at Walmart or old grownup clothes from the thrift store. She is only four. I think a lot of times such parties as this are more for the parents than the kids. The reasons may be many, from a need they did not have filled in their own childhood to simply showing off the fact that they can afford such things. And yes, he can probably look forward to having a spoiled princess on his hands whose demands will only grow as she does. And she is learning from him that love=money. She could easily grow to be one of those people who only value others who can give material things to them. My own fouurth birthday was great. And I guess it was what would be called today a princess party. My mom made us up, we dressed in clothes from her closet, and ate our ice cream and cake with our hands behind our backs, a very messy and kid friendly affair which I still recall now, 48 years later. The best thing was that she took the day off work and spent the entire day with me, for 24 hours, except for the time of the party, she and I did whatever I wanted to do. She did this every year for each of us three kids until we turned 18. When we sit now and recall our happiest times, this gift always comes up and is a precious thing to all of us.

Ok I use to be against the idea of parents spending so much on their kids Birthday parties. Then after I had children of my own, I learned the parties isn't near as much as for the child as it is for our own inner child, LOL. We haven't spent as much money on our children's parties, not due to lack of wanting, but lack of money. We have spent many hours getting it ready, sometimes days even though by hand making all the decorations as well as the games and food. Yes the goal is to tickle the snot right out of our kids by giving them what they want, but just as much for us to have the party we never had as a kid. Not saying our childhood was sucky, but that there were things we as children dreamt of that never came to be. I reckon it’s a living through our children sort of thing. So now when I see or hear of parents going to this extent like paying the cost of $35.00 per person for a 4 year old’s party, I just smile and go on. Sure there is the threat that this kind of catering could ruin a perfectly good child, but I think if it’s limited to special occasions such as a Birthday, it won’t hurt them. You know?

Now if this was a life style where everyday it was a norm, “what ever Jr. wants Jr gets”, well then, yeah that child will have a rude awakening when he gets out here on his own. At that the parents did a disservice for the child. *Chuckle*, however there is NO fear of that happening to my kids, reckon that's where I am lucky to be so broke. :oD

Some people have lots of money to have this parties. My kids do not want parties when they grew up. They prefer pricey gadgets instead of the party. As long as I can afford what they like, I will give it.

Elusive
I'm the raise the eyebrow woman too LOL..
I have worked at those parties that you speak of where the girls get pampered and actually that 35 dollar per is cheap compared to some of the prices some salons were charging..
And me without a shoe to my name. LOL and here is some 5 yr old getting the works hehehheh
I know what you mean, I feel it a little, well no a LOT too much!

In my opinion, that is way too much. I am like you a party with family and friends. I am sure the party will be a hit, but she would be just as happy getting to play with friends.

All I can say after reading that, Elusive, is, "Yikes!" I am assuming that the parents of this child are not independently wealthy. I really do believe that parents can go too far when it comes to indulging their children. As you stated, a nice gathering with family and friends, games, a few prizes, cake and ice cream would be sufficient. This type of situation truly leads to kids growing up with a sense of entitlement to everything they want in life. It is unreasonable, because hardly anyone ever gets everything they want in life. I just think it teaches kids to be greedy and superficial in life.

Wow I'm with you Elusive! My twins did get to go to build a bear for their last birthday but it was just them and that was their gift from me and hubby. We did a small party, a bbq with friends, family and cake later on in the day. I could see spending that much for my daughter's sweet 16 but not for a 4th birthday party!

I think 435 each for 4 yr olds is ruddy ridiculous....how stoopid...sorry, no offence.
Kids get given too much these days...they don't appreciate it and they justy expect more and more. Parents are making a rod for their own back.
Are we losing the plot?