We had a discussion with Caitie the other day about birthday parties. Every year Andy and I discuss the "birthday party" issue and as he put it the other day, "When do we stop trying to keep up with the Jones," as the saying goes. What he meant was that every year, we end up spending a small fortune on the kids' parties. Whether it be at the house or at a venue, they usually cost up to a few hundred dollars when you factor in the venue, entertainment, loot bags, cake, etc.
And I find, in the end, it's really just the pressure of keeping up with all of the friends' parties. What did this one do and where did that one have it. Really in the end, it's a drag for the parents to have committments on their precious weekends and a whole lot of stuff the children really don't need.
So, I approached the subject with Caitie the other morning and explained to her that if her and Maddie didn't have the whole big party for their birthdays every year, then we could use that money to do something special instead. Example, like go to Niagara Falls to the Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend or something and when she's older, go to NYC for the weekend. I figure if we make this sort of thing a tradition then at least they are getting something better out of the money spent. She seemed okay with it, only of course the obvious came up like, what will her friends think if she doesn't have a party, and I simply told her that she can just telll them that she gets to do something super fun and special instead.
Who knows, maybe we'll be the ones to break this terribly expensive and waste of time and money spent, but I guess only time will tell. I just figure that Andy is right on this one and if we can make the girls excited every year about what are doing for each other's birthday I think it's a better thing in the end and could possibly be a trend setter in the making as well as a nice family tradition. Time will tell!
Anyhoo, on the subject, on the way home from school yesterday, I started mentioning the Great Wolf Lodge and Niagara Falls to Caitie and she says, "But Mommy, I want to go to Hawaii for my birthday!" That's my girl! All I could do was laugh, before I explained to her that that would cost a lot more than just her bday $! Happy weekend!
2 comments:
You know my Sis does a friend party for her 3 kiddos every other year, with a family party of course each year! That might be a compromise??
We have not figured it all out yet, but for this past birthday for L we took her downtown to American Girl and splurged and then followed with a family party the next day. One close friend came with us to AG (and Grandma!!) :) and that satisfied her for the friend party.(this year) :)~
But already she is asking about her next "friend party" as those invitations keep rolling in...and in....
And you are right ~ they are getting more & more lavish each year! We have been lucky so far with the parties we have held ~ parties at home with simple games, crafts and the hubster has been a magician one year and a clown the next! LOL Its a lot of work though and we are exhuasted after 2 or 3 hours! I can understand why someone would have their party "out" and keep the mess and fatigue away!
Good luck and I love that your girl dreams big!
I'm with you on this one. I agree with all your points and it's been discussed more than once chez nous.
What makes it so hard is all the invitation that come in. Especially when not having a similar "event" will make my kiddos feel even more "different".
Your solution is very creative. I'll have to see if it can fly around here. Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy your week-end!
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