You know the drill. Your children or you have been invited to yet another birthday party for a child. The parents (usually just the mom) have been planning it for weeks, spending a ton of money, Pinterest’ing until their hearts content and planning every detail for this exciting day. They’re stressed, a little excited, and secretly can’t wait for the party to be over.
Fast forward to after the birthday party and the parents are exhausted, relieved the party IS finally over and completely bummed that they didn’t get to spend as much time with their little one as they had hoped.
Through the last four years, I’ve been this mom. “How much is a bounce house” ” Can we hire zoo animals to come into the home?” “The local play place is HOW much for an hour in your party room!?” “Wait you want me to book 4 months in advance” “Do they have a magic show” “Do the kids get to take home a golden nugget at that cost?” “WTF!”
No thank-you. Not anymore.
I’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on birthday parties. I’ve planned a fun day to celebrate my child but really felt like I splurged to entertain OTHER kids. Because I did!
Wait, wait, wait… isn’t this day about my child?
Isn’t this day about me, my family and my birthday kid!?
I’m here to say, I’m taking back MY child’s birthday. This day is about us. This day is about him! This day is NOT about entertaining other children or about spending a small fortune showcase how BIG of a party you can throw. In actuality, my child probably can care less.
My grinch like birthday behavior is rather new. Last year I decided that my four-year-old did not need a $300 birthday party. She needed a fun day with family, that was all about her! So we forfeited the party and the day was all about her! She got one gift from us, a few from family members and that was it. It was great, no one felt stressed and my daughter had a wonderful day!
Why are we spending so much and putting on such a big production for a day that’s very special to not only the birthday child but to US as well!?
Well…not anymore. The anti-birthday party mom was born.
This week my one-year-old will be turning two. Instead of sending out an Evite weeks ago, I sent out and email to tell close family and friends that we’re not throwing a party! We’re taking him to the aquarium for a fun family day of exploration and little boy adventure. No party planning. No Pinterest. No pressure to entertain others. Perfect.
It’s the days of Pinterest have made birthday parties a crazy elaborate production. I’m not into it. Sorry if this is your thing…I guess it’s not mine.
My oldest child is only four, so I really can’t speak for the future. Who knows, maybe when she’s 7 I’ll be back to my old ways – but for now, I will remain the anti-Birthday Party Mom and I’ll spend our special day exactly how we want to – stress-free and together!
