It’s that time of year again – the fortnight when I have not one, but two children’s parties to organise.

If it was down to me, I’d book a joint party at the ten-pin bowling alley with burgers and chips laid on. A party like that would save cash – and we’re always desperate for that – and eliminate stress.

But no. Unfortunately, they both want traditional affairs with jelly, ice cream and Pin The Tail On The Donkey.

You’d imagine in the days of Nintendo and Playstation that the games we knew and loved as children were dying out. But I was heartened to find they’re still going strong. The internet is awash with suggestions for fun games for teenagers. And, refreshingly, none of them involve alcopops, drugs and electronic gadgetry.

Many of them I remember from my youth – running a relay while collecting various pieces of adult clothing and putting them on, eating chocolate with a knife and fork, memorising items on a tray and trying to write them down later. It’s great to see they’re still going strong.

All good, clean fun. And they don’t involve computers. I remember last year, seven 12-year-old girls sitting in a circle threading paper clips, to see how many they could string together in a minute. They loved it, and wanted to play it again. And they enjoyed musical bumps, although at 13 – some of these girls are taller than me – I think they may be getting a bit ungainly for that.

Traditional parties are fabulous and memorable. But for parents they are such hard work.

Shopping for food is a nightmare, making sure you’ve catered for all tastes and preferences.

When I was young, I don’t recall any child being vegetarian, having nut allergies or refusing to eat shop’s own brands. Nowadays you turn your back for a second and they’re checking the fizzy drink bottles for E numbers or scrutinising the packaging on the sausage rolls.

Then there’s making props for games. Nothing elaborate – we’re not talking It’s A Knockout-style set pieces – but it’s still time-consuming, cutting out shapes for memory games, thinking up clues for treasure hunts and wrapping presents for Pass The Parcel.

It is worth it, because I know that the days of such parties are numbered. Changes are afoot. I will soon be the proud owner of one teenager. The signs are already here. When I showed her what I’d bought for her friends’ party bags she wrinkled her nose up.

“I don’t think they’ll like a whistle and a bubble-blower, mum,” she politely said. “Can you get shower gel and bath confetti?”