Long gone are the days of cheese sandwiches, bowls of crisps and a homemade cake. Today, children’s parties are far more extravagant affairs. Charlotte Cripps , who is bracing herself for her daughter’s 10th birthday Traitors-themed party, looks at the true cost of keeping up playground appearances Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life