My Take on Children's Parties
When I open my computer at the Office, the first thing that I do is check on CNN. I want to be updated by the latest news worldwide. So on this morning's news, something piqued my interest: Extreme Birthday Parties- How much is too much? And then the article proceeded to give us tips to reduce stress:
My kids had 3 birthday parties in all since they're just 3. Every party is stressful- months of preparations, shopping, deciding, and last minute preparations. I also cannot count the number of times they have attended birthday parties. We have attended simple ones to elaborate ones. I admit, I sometimes get envious of those elaborate ones. Who doesn't, right? Who doesn't like candy bar stations, giant balloon slides, food cart stations, face painting, tons of balloons, and expensive loot bags? My kids love them, and adults love them too!
I guess my husband and I has mellowed in terms of our kid's parties. We had a not so elaborate first birthday party. I was firm on this. My attitude was- it's their first, we must celebrate. So we had a bubble show and we had food carts. We added additional loot bags to the one provided by the party host. On their second, it was a bit simpler. No food carts this time. However, we did have face painting for the kids. And we provided the loot bags. On their third, it was more simple. They had their 3rd birthday party at McDonalds. Horrendous experience (if you've been following my blog). I added balloon decors as they only prepare 30pcs balloon sticks and additional loot bags.
Looking back at our kids parties, I always focus on 3 things- balloons, loot bags and the birthday cake (the centerpiece of all parties!). I make sure to spend an extra on this. I spend extra on balloons because I know kids love balloons and the guests can bring them home too. I spend extra on loot bags because I', not comfortable with what party hosts usually have- candies and stuff. I want loot bags with stuff that kids can use and play, not just eat. I spend extra on birthday cakes because it's the focal point of the birthday. And my kids remember their birthday cakes (although not their 1st one). Look at their birthday cakes:
So how much is too much? I do not know. I guess when parents have more, they're entitled to hold those elaborate ones. But then I realize, at the end of the day, I just want my kids to enjoy and remember their birthday. At the end of the day, I ask them, "Did you have fun on your birthday?" If their answer is yes, then I think that is the best answer. On our kids birthday, we have to remember that it's their birthday, not ours. So they should be the ones enjoying it.
5 tips to reduce stress around birthday gifts
1. Ask grandparents and family members to give no more than one gift. If they feel they need to give more, ask them to donate $10 to the birthday child's college savings account.
2. Ask for no gifts and suggest that invitees bring a canned food item to give to the local food pantry.
3. Ask invitees to bring their favorite new or used book to donate to a local library or shelter, or have all the invitees exchange books at the party.
4. Have the birthday child write thank-you notes before playing with any of the newly received gifts.
5. Make a fancy homemade certificate giving the birthday child the gift of a special outing with a parent, such as to a museum, science center, sledding, beach day, camping, etc.
My kids had 3 birthday parties in all since they're just 3. Every party is stressful- months of preparations, shopping, deciding, and last minute preparations. I also cannot count the number of times they have attended birthday parties. We have attended simple ones to elaborate ones. I admit, I sometimes get envious of those elaborate ones. Who doesn't, right? Who doesn't like candy bar stations, giant balloon slides, food cart stations, face painting, tons of balloons, and expensive loot bags? My kids love them, and adults love them too!
I guess my husband and I has mellowed in terms of our kid's parties. We had a not so elaborate first birthday party. I was firm on this. My attitude was- it's their first, we must celebrate. So we had a bubble show and we had food carts. We added additional loot bags to the one provided by the party host. On their second, it was a bit simpler. No food carts this time. However, we did have face painting for the kids. And we provided the loot bags. On their third, it was more simple. They had their 3rd birthday party at McDonalds. Horrendous experience (if you've been following my blog). I added balloon decors as they only prepare 30pcs balloon sticks and additional loot bags.
Looking back at our kids parties, I always focus on 3 things- balloons, loot bags and the birthday cake (the centerpiece of all parties!). I make sure to spend an extra on this. I spend extra on balloons because I know kids love balloons and the guests can bring them home too. I spend extra on loot bags because I', not comfortable with what party hosts usually have- candies and stuff. I want loot bags with stuff that kids can use and play, not just eat. I spend extra on birthday cakes because it's the focal point of the birthday. And my kids remember their birthday cakes (although not their 1st one). Look at their birthday cakes:
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| Cake on their 1st! |
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| Cake on their 3rd! |
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