Children’s birthday parties too expensive parents say

It’s a familiar theme at the beginning of the school year, with the first event being the benchmark for all other parents to exceed.

But in fact, 40 per cent of UK parents are feeling pressured into organising extravagant parties for their children, with two-thirds believing they have become too expensive.

More than 500 parents with children aged under 18, took part in a survey carried out by Lumos and YouGov.

A total of 42 per cent said they had spent between £100 and £500 on their children’s birthday parties in 2010 alone.

On average, UK children attended up to five birthday parties in 2010, with 21 per cent going to six, and seven per cent going to 11 or more.

But 25 per cent of the parents are having to fund around £100 a year on presents for birthday child at the events.

Chief executive of Lumos, Georgette Mulheir says, “Parents in the UK are under increasing pressure to spend more and more money on birthday parties for their children and their children’s friends. While we are in no way criticising mums and dads for celebrating their children’s birthdays, the results of this research highlight the huge disparity between what our children have here in the UK, compared with the many thousands of youngsters who live just a few hundred miles away.”

Lumos is encouraging everyone, including families, teachers and community groups, and employees in the workplace, to host their own cake and candle-themed fundraising events, from Tea & Cake parties for friends, family and children to Bake & Take events at work. Supporters can also donate online or text LABC£2 to 70070.

To find out more about Light a Birthday Candle for Lumos go to www.lightabirthdaycandle.org.uk