I'm writing this because I'm a mother of a 17 year old and just about to have the first party for him since his cowboy and indians party when he urned 9. The others were outsourced to bowling alley's, movies, sleepovers, paint ball and in more recent years - no parties due to it being WAY too embarrassing.
3 years ago I worried about my son not being invited to parties - his friends were, my friend's children were why not my BABY!!! Then about 18 months ago all of a sudden there were invites which I encouraged because finally he was IN and I encouraged it - dropping off and picking up at 11pm and putting my social life on hold. Then about 12 months ago, he didn't want me to pick up or drop off - preferred his father until I realised that it was so my HUSBAND would buy him BEER!!! OMG my BABY is drinking at parties!!! AND OMG my HUSBAND was gaining up with my BABY to buy the beer - apparently there was some sort of pack not to say anything because I wouldn't be able to handle it - you betcha! All those sleepless nights worring about my BABY being socially inept whilst my HUSBAND snored beside me without a worry in the world - so now I worry even more (whilst my husband continues to snore beside me)
Anyway my BABY annouces he would like to have a 17th b'day party. Great! When I asked to have paper based invites it was like NO ONE DOES THAT, its facebook or nothing. When I requested that the invite has a note on it requesting parent's permission to drink that would be way too embarrasing - NO ONE DOES THAT. Apparenty wording like 'drinking is at your own responsibility' covers it.
So I have booked security (Why??), I've booked a juke box (the Music is LAME!) my husband - who loves to cook - has worked out the menu (ONLY Frozen pies and sausage rolls - thanks) and now being told that the location of the juke box isn't intimate enough and inviting friends parent's (for support) is going to RUIN EVERYTHING!!
So its in 8 days time. I've already had friends being quite hoity about the fact that I've acknowledged that there will be drinking and wanting to control it some how (apparently you are suppose to turn a blind eye and pretend it doesn't happen), temper flair ups from my BABY because he's now anxious about having it and ME not sleeping more than 3-4 hours a night and having to function with work and everyday life.
So I'm writing this to let off steam. I'll do an update over the next week with the build up and how it actually goes - see if anyone other than me is interested!
