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Birthday Basics
Thursday, February 24, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
I admit it. I find it hard not to lose control when it comes to the munchkin's birthday celebrations. Every February reminds me of this fact. You see, February is not only a great excuse to celebrate "love" in our household, but also the month in which our kiddo came into my life and rocked my world.
There was her first birthday. It was the year I vowed to keep it simple. I made a cake (Okay, I made two cakes - the first one was homemade and a total trainwreck. The second, thanks to "Betty Crocker," was fine.). The hubby and I took a day off of work. We all went out to lunch. That evening, I made spaghetti and captured the cute photos of more sauce and noodles "on" her than "in" her. We added a low key family party another day.
The second birthday came and we decided to have the family party and add a few neighborhood friends. Twenty-five folks and three hours of chaos - I mean "fun" - later, and I decided it would be a good idea to take the party offsite the next year.
My story goes on with each year providing me a learning lesson (or two or three) about how to successfully plan and pull off a kiddo birthday party.
So what is the best way to celebrate your child?
No matter how many websites you visit or books you read, you're not going to find the right answer. Only you know the right answer, as, only you, knows your child best.
The basics of a birthday celebration need to focus on what works for your child and where they are in their development.
For instance, consider:
*Is your child at their best in the morning, afternoon, or evening? It's nice to be a good host, but the party should work for your child's schedule. Chances are, everyone else can shift their schedule to be part of the celebration.
*Make it as simple or extravagant as works for your kiddo. Is your child shy or do they seem to go with the flow in larger groups? Design your party - and number of invites - on what will work for your little one.
*Don't be afraid to do it differently. This is always the hard one for me. It seems everyone has expectations on how, when, and what should be included in a party. Parties can be as simple as time together and cupcakes. Be okay with what works for your child.
What's your party plan?
For me, I know it will change again next year.
One thing for sure though, I think I'll stick with the basics.
