As a parent, every year I look forward to my daughters birthday party, but I am not one to go "all out" by getting a bunch of decorations or by making her party be better than the last. I know of some parents who will go above and beyond for their child's birthday. They will go out and get the decorations, party favors, the cutest or coolest cake, presents galore, balloons, a variety of food samples and then come up with a list of things for the kids to do. Now, don't get me wrong, I do think that throwing your child a party is fun and exciting, but who are you really doing it for?
To me it just doesn't make sense to throw a big party or make a big to-do about it when all your child really cares about is the cake, ice cream and of course the presents.
Are you trying to impress the other parents? or are you trying to out do yourself to make this birthday better than the last? Think about this if you will, your child is turning 1, they really have no clue what the whole birthday thing is about, all they know is people are giving them lots of stuff and they get to eat all this yummy food! So, I know ask you this, do you really think your child would care weather or not you had a big carnival birthday or pony rides?
Now, I don't have a lot of money to spare like some parents do, but even if I did I wouldn't go all out for a birthday she wouldn't even remember in the first place. Sure I would have pictures and a VHS tapes, but to go through all the stress that comes with throwing a child's birthday party in the first place, it's just really not that serious.
I now ask you to ask yourself this, who are you throwing the birthday party for, you or your child? In the beginning when you start the whole process, what goes through your mind. Do you think about what would be cool or cute, what kind of cake should you should buy and what kind of decorations you should put on the cake.
What about the theme for parties, do you walk the stores or surf the net trying to find the perfect theme so you could get the stuff together. If you answered yes to any of these questions then chances are you are the one that is looking more forward to this birthday than your own child. Here is one more question to ask yourself, does your child have any say so in what kind of party he/she wants? I understand that a 1 year old couldn't say, "Mommy, Daddy I want a spider man birthday." or " can you make sure that I have the coolest games and make sure you invite a lot of people, even people I don't know" I do know that even though your child may be one, he/she must have a favorite character they like. You are the one who knows your child better then any one else, so instead of you trying to figure out what kind of party to have, get your child involved and see what they would like.
Throwing birthday parties for kids does not have to be a stressful time. Kids at a young age could care less weather or not they had pony rides or a carnival theme. All they know is people are giving them lots of yummy food and they get lots of toys! If you can allow yourself to let go of trying impress your self or others with a birthday extravaganza and concentrate on having fun with your child then it can and will be a fun and enjoyable time. I know to some I may be sounding a tad harsh, but in all honesty, it's true. You can still have games, decorations and a theme for your child's birthday, but it really doesn't have to be an all day event to get the party set up the day before it's party time.
Think about your child's interests and what they like to do, not what you think would be cool.. Remember, it's your child's day to be the center of attention, its not the decoration they care about, it's about being with the people they love and care about that makes a world of difference in your child's life and that is what they will remember the most.
To me it just doesn't make sense to throw a big party or make a big to-do about it when all your child really cares about is the cake, ice cream and of course the presents.
Are you trying to impress the other parents? or are you trying to out do yourself to make this birthday better than the last? Think about this if you will, your child is turning 1, they really have no clue what the whole birthday thing is about, all they know is people are giving them lots of stuff and they get to eat all this yummy food! So, I know ask you this, do you really think your child would care weather or not you had a big carnival birthday or pony rides?
Now, I don't have a lot of money to spare like some parents do, but even if I did I wouldn't go all out for a birthday she wouldn't even remember in the first place. Sure I would have pictures and a VHS tapes, but to go through all the stress that comes with throwing a child's birthday party in the first place, it's just really not that serious.
I now ask you to ask yourself this, who are you throwing the birthday party for, you or your child? In the beginning when you start the whole process, what goes through your mind. Do you think about what would be cool or cute, what kind of cake should you should buy and what kind of decorations you should put on the cake.
What about the theme for parties, do you walk the stores or surf the net trying to find the perfect theme so you could get the stuff together. If you answered yes to any of these questions then chances are you are the one that is looking more forward to this birthday than your own child. Here is one more question to ask yourself, does your child have any say so in what kind of party he/she wants? I understand that a 1 year old couldn't say, "Mommy, Daddy I want a spider man birthday." or " can you make sure that I have the coolest games and make sure you invite a lot of people, even people I don't know" I do know that even though your child may be one, he/she must have a favorite character they like. You are the one who knows your child better then any one else, so instead of you trying to figure out what kind of party to have, get your child involved and see what they would like.
Throwing birthday parties for kids does not have to be a stressful time. Kids at a young age could care less weather or not they had pony rides or a carnival theme. All they know is people are giving them lots of yummy food and they get lots of toys! If you can allow yourself to let go of trying impress your self or others with a birthday extravaganza and concentrate on having fun with your child then it can and will be a fun and enjoyable time. I know to some I may be sounding a tad harsh, but in all honesty, it's true. You can still have games, decorations and a theme for your child's birthday, but it really doesn't have to be an all day event to get the party set up the day before it's party time.
Think about your child's interests and what they like to do, not what you think would be cool.. Remember, it's your child's day to be the center of attention, its not the decoration they care about, it's about being with the people they love and care about that makes a world of difference in your child's life and that is what they will remember the most.
About the Author:
Yolanda Adams will give you creative and inspirational ideas for planning your child's party. If you want an unforgettable party don't forget to read Kids Birthday Party Food and checkout Kid's Birthday Party Checklist for the best advice on staying on top of party planning.
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