Search Results for: blog birthday parties are some parents going too far

Children’s Parties and Future Mental Health

Ever noticed that the amount of time and money that is spent on a child’s 18th birthday party is starting to look like the amount parents might have spent on their children’s wedding in the not too distant past? Ever noticed that school graduations are going the same way? Worse, elementary school graduation ceremonies have turned from a simple right-of-passage to a pre-adolescent fanfare that is starting to mimic the end of high school graduation parties. And it gets even more serious. For some time, parties for pre-schoolers have turned into social events of the year and parents are spending … Continue reading →

But It’s My Birthday!

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday dear me! Happy birthday to me! Yep, you guessed it: It’s my birthday. Another year gone, another year older. Birthdays used to be so exciting. I remember looking at the calendar in anticipation when I was younger, counting down the days until I got to eat cake and open presents. It was nearly impossible to go to sleep the night before. I’d wake up early, go into my parents’ bedroom, and the entire family would gather around for gift opening. I would be freed of my morning duty of making … Continue reading →

How Much Did You Spend on Your Child’s Last Birthday Party?

I know it wasn’t more than $360,000. We can’t all roll like Daddy Diddy, but as parents we do want to make our children happy, and celebrating a milestone like a birthday with a big party, often means digging deep. But how deep do you dig? My five-year-old is dreaming of a huge bash to commemorate her sixth year of life (which thankfully doesn’t happen for a few more months). She has been begging for a safari-themed party at our local children’s museum. For three hours, up to 20 kids can dine on lion-shaped cake, make toilet paper roll binoculars, … Continue reading →

Birthday Celebration- KISS

Tyler’s birthday is November 26. One of the first things he asked when he found out that we would be returning to New Orleans was, “Will we be in the house for my birthday?” At the time, I assured him that we would because I was being optimistic and hoped that things would move faster once we were back in town. Of course, this has not been the case but I still feel fortunate that I am closer to moving back into my house, while others are still trying to get started. One of the great things about young kids … Continue reading →

Gift-free Birthday Parties

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Have you heard about the newest idea in kids’ birthday parties? Gift-free birthday parties. In lieu of gifts, partygoers donate money or specific items to the child’s charity of choice. Teaching kids about giving is a noble cause but I’m not sure if a gift-free birthday party is the answer. Also, at what age should a parent start? In an article in the July 22, 2007 issue of the New York Times, kids as young as four were becoming little philanthropists. Sure, today kids have more gadgets than they could possible ever play with, but still… I have no problem … Continue reading →

Let Them Make Cake ! (And Eat It Too)

Recently I wrote a blog about the extravagant birthday parties that some parents are throwing for their kids. If you’re like me you tend to lean more toward the frugal side. If so , then here’s an idea you should try for your child’s next birthday party. I was scanning the magazine rack at Books A Million on Saturday and ran across Cookie Magazine . In it there was an article about having your kids and their guests make the birthday cake. The making of the cake then becomes the actual party. The idea works best for kids over four … Continue reading →

Free Baby’s First Birthday Cake

Congratulations! Your baby is turning one and hitting a very big milestone. Will you have a huge party with lots of family and friends, or a small, quiet celebration? Whatever your plans, you can take advantage of a little-known fact to get a free birthday cake. I have gotten a free birthday cake for each of my older two children for their first birthdays, and I plan on doing the same when my youngest child turns one. The free birthday cake is as close as your favorite grocery store. Most grocery stores will actually give away an entire birthday cake … Continue reading →

Birthday Parties- Are Some Parents Going Too Far?

Have birthday parties for kids gotten out of hand? Have they gotten more elaborate? Yes, according to a campaign being launched today called Birthdays Without Pressure. One of the organizers of the campaigned realized that she was going overboard when she had a tea party for 15 kindergartners for her daughter’s birthday three years ago. She says she started out trying to do something simple and it escalated into an affair that had her obsessed with the every little detail of the party. She put so much effort into the goody bags and other preparations, she was up until midnight … Continue reading →