TOTALLY GEEKED!

FNW · Guru

I’m Done Making My Kid’s Childhood Magical

Lindley · Guru

FNW wrote:
I've taken the boys to Chuck E. Cheese the last two years for their birthdays. But I take them around 11 on a Saturday morning and it's not crowded at all. Now, they don't get to go in that ticket booth unless they have an actual party with 6 or 7 or more children, but they get to play the arcade games and eat pizza. It was actually quite relaxing for me. But I have also gone to a couple birthday parties for the boys' friends and it was crazy.

Last year they went to a party for their neighbor friend. It was a backyard party, camping theme. They had tents pitched, his father grilled hot dogs, and they ate s'mores for dessert. The party favors were red bandanas tied to a tree branch filled with camping things like flashlights, etc., from the dollar store. It was cute, the boys had a blast. I didn't stay, but I could hear laughter and cheering echoing off the hill.

The camping themed party sounds like a lot of fun.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

flan327 wrote:
I survived a few Chuck E. Cheese parties, back in the day.

flan

Survived being the key word.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lawyerlady wrote:
flan327 wrote:
I survived a few Chuck E. Cheese parties, back in the day.

flan
Survived being the key word.

Of course!

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I LOVE doing themed parties for the kids. It's fun to plan and they love to help with ideas. For DD's Lego party, we went to Ruby Tuesday's and used their party room. I had a Lego Cake made and re-did the menu on Lego themed paper. While the kids were waiting for their food, we had a Lego building contest - they all had the same mini Lego Friends set and the first to put it together won the prize. Then, we had Lego puzzle pages, and made a Lego bottle cap necklace. It worked out great. And Ruby Tuesday served the food and cleaned up the mess. Win - win.

We just did a Pitch Perfect themed sleepover for DD's 12th birthday, and Jojo is having a mermaid themed party at the neighborhood clubhouse/pool for her birthday. It's going to be lots of fun to plan and do!

Ohfour · Hooker

I'm the same way LL. It's the party planner in me.

Sweetness's party this year is Disney Princess. Elsa and Belle will be there for photos and to play with the kids. The guests will all wear princess dresses. One of DD's friends is going to do princess hair and someone will do light makeup. There will be a "photo booth" (a decorated frame) for them to have pictures made. The snacks will be princess themed...Strawberry "roses" for Belle, Snow Cones for Elsa, Apples (with caramel dip) for Snow White, things like that.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Ohfour wrote:
I'm the same way LL. It's the party planner in me.

Sweetness's party this year is Disney Princess. Elsa and Belle will be there for photos and to play with the kids. The guests will all wear princess dresses. One of DD's friends is going to do princess hair and someone will do light makeup. There will be a "photo booth" (a decorated frame) for them to have pictures made. The snacks will be princess themed...Strawberry "roses" for Belle, Snow Cones for Elsa, Apples (with caramel dip) for Snow White, things like that.

That sounds like a lot of fun! I love theming the food.

For the mermaid party, I'm doing sea themed food - sea cucumbers, gold fish, "waves" (chips), crabby chicken salad sandwiches, starfish shaped pbj sandwiches, - here are some of the ideas I've pinned:

Octonauts Birthday Party Food Ideas | Dashi's Sea Cucumbers | Under the Sea Party at directorjewels.com:

Kids will love these mini DOLPHIN SNACKS! Great for a Mermaid Party, Under Water Party or Beach Party. Check out these other healthy snack ideas too: http://www.under5s.co.nz/results.html?q=healthy+snack+ideas&ppp=1000:

Photo 1 of 41: Ocean/Under the Sea / Birthday "Jacob's 2nd Birthday" | Catch My Party:

Sadie’s Under the Sea party!:

Crab sandwiches at a Little Mermaid birthday party! See more party planning ideas at CatchMyParty.com!:

Mermaid party:

You have to feed people, why not make it fun?

Ohfour · Hooker

I love it!!! We did Bubble Guppies last year for her birthday at my sister's pool. We did sand buckets with Goldfish crackers in them, little blue jello cups, and starfish sandwiches, along with a few other snacks.

The gifts bags (buckets) had bubbles (of course), leis, flower barrettes, temp tattoos, water guns, and other pool toys.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Jojo also loves Wreck it Ralph. I'm hoping next year to do a Candy Rush party with a candy theme. DD12 had a candy land party when she was five - that was really fun to do.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I did a Paris theme for Jojo's birthday last year. We did it at home and I turned our wrap around porch into an outdoor Paris bistro - activities were ring toss on the Eiffel tower, pictures with a pretty Paris frame, and we painted a picture, of course - I set up an outdoor art table with canvases and paint. All the food was kid friendly French themed.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Ohfour wrote:
I love it!!! We did Bubble Guppies last year for her birthday at my sister's pool. We did sand buckets with Goldfish crackers in them, little blue jello cups, and starfish sandwiches, along with a few other snacks.

The gifts bags (buckets) had bubbles (of course), leis, flower barrettes, temp tattoos, water guns, and other pool toys.

For the mermaid party, we're going to have a "dig for treasure" sandbox. I've gotten a bunch of jewels and diamonds and rings and things they can dig for. And we're going to make this -

Paper Plate Seahorse Kids Craft: Create a cute seahorse craft that's inspired by the Mister Seahorse children's book. Make reading more fun for your kids by adding in some related crafts. #learningactivities:

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

As for the OP - I'm too busy to do crafts all the time for my kids during a regular week, but I love being able to plan stuff like this for their birthdays.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

You know - the article completely ignores the adult joy in doing these things. She obviously doesn't enjoy doing crafts and vacations with her kids. I do. DD12 might not remember a whole lot about the trip to Disney when she was 4, and Jojo might not remember the trip when she was two, but I remember it. I remember the joy on their faces, and their wonder and delight. Those images are MY memories of their childhood, and they are magical for ME. The pure joy on DD12's face the first time she hugged Mickey Mouse - for Jojo it was Sully - are not something I would want to have missed for the world.

And no, your kid doesn't have to have it to have a happy childhood. But mine can, and it gives me pleasure to give it to them.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lawyerlady wrote:
You know - the article completely ignores the adult joy in doing these things. She obviously doesn't enjoy doing crafts and vacations with her kids. I do. DD12 might not remember a whole lot about the trip to Disney when she was 4, and Jojo might not remember the trip when she was two, but I remember it. I remember the joy on their faces, and their wonder and delight. Those images are MY memories of their childhood, and they are magical for ME. The pure joy on DD12's face the first time she hugged Mickey Mouse - for Jojo it was Sully - are not something I would want to have missed for the world.

And no, your kid doesn't have to have it to have a happy childhood. But mine can, and it gives me pleasure to give it to them.

I couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me, but you nailed it.

Last week, I was visiting Itty bitty & she wanted to ride her bike. It was bit cold & windy, but we went. She is a speed demon, I was walking behind her. On the way back (I had on a short-sleeve knit dress), it was cold, so I started singing "Five Little Ducks." When I got to the chorus, she took her hand off the handle bar & did the "Quack" motion. Next verse, the other hand.

Will she remember? I don't know, but I will. It was totally random & made me grin like a loon.

flan

FNW · Guru

My boys don't remember our trip to Disneyland 3 years ago. They barely remember DisneyWorld two years ago. But they love hearing me talk about it. They love hearing stories of when they were babies. They love seeing the pictures. This year we will return to Bethany Beach. They don't remember going 4 years ago, but I do. We will go back to the Cali beach house in October. They kind of sort of remember going 3 years ago. I suspect when they see both places, they will have a dejavu moment. If not, I have the memories, and will be making new ones.

Lindley · Guru

I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

LL, those banana dolphins are so stinking cute!!

As for the article to each their own. Celebrate however feels right for you.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lindley wrote:
I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.

Which goes back to my comment that TIME spent with children is more important than things.

flan

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lindley wrote:
I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.

When I read it, it felt like she was being judgmental of people that do like to do those things with their kids. What the heck difference does it make if a happy childhood memory involves sitting by the creek or doing crafts with mom. She wants to justify not wanting to constantly entertain her children - that's fine. But some parents enjoy doing it - and if they do, that does not make their childhood shallow. Which is the message she seems to be conveying. That parents that choose to entertain their children "need to reevaluate" why they are doing it. That really struck me the wrong way. Lady - parent how you want, leave other parents out of it.

Lindley · Guru

flan327 wrote:
Lindley wrote:
I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.
Which goes back to my comment that TIME spent with children is more important than things.
flan

True, but we shouldn't make people feel quilty for how they choose to spend time with their children. If some chooses to have a huge birthday party for their children and can afford it that is their business. The same goes for choosing smaller parties. It is no one's business.

Ohfour · Hooker

flan327 wrote:
Lindley wrote:
I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.
Which goes back to my comment that TIME spent with children is more important than things.
flan

And this can include planning a party. Why do you keep harping on a party being a "thing"? It takes a lot to plan a party and if you involve the kids, what's your problem with it?

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lexxy wrote:
LL, those banana dolphins are so stinking cute!!

As for the article to each their own. Celebrate however feels right for you.

Aren't they, though? I just want reasons to make those! Mermaid party will do for now. But then I'll need an excuse to do it again!

Lindley · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lindley wrote:
I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.
When I read it, it felt like she was being judgmental of people that do like to do those things with their kids. What the heck difference does it make if a happy childhood memory involves sitting by the creek or doing crafts with mom. She wants to justify not wanting to constantly entertain her children - that's fine. But some parents enjoy doing it - and if they do, that does not make their childhood shallow. Which is the message she seems to be conveying. That parents that choose to entertain their children "need to reevaluate" why they are doing it. That really struck me the wrong way. Lady - parent how you want, leave other parents out of it.

I understand. We all have different styles and traditions and just because a article says their way is better doesn't mean their way is right for everyone

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lindley wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Lindley wrote:
I may have to reread the article. I read it as No one should feel quilty if they don't want to do crafts or theme parties if they can't afford it or choose a different way to spend time with their children.

Some people are very creative and organized and enjoy putting on parties and are good at it. Some people like me are not. Every family is different, some are outdoorsy, some are into sports, some are into learning activities.
When I read it, it felt like she was being judgmental of people that do like to do those things with their kids. What the heck difference does it make if a happy childhood memory involves sitting by the creek or doing crafts with mom. She wants to justify not wanting to constantly entertain her children - that's fine. But some parents enjoy doing it - and if they do, that does not make their childhood shallow. Which is the message she seems to be conveying. That parents that choose to entertain their children "need to reevaluate" why they are doing it. That really struck me the wrong way. Lady - parent how you want, leave other parents out of it.
I understand. We all have different styles and traditions and just because a article says their way is better doesn't mean their way is right for everyone

I understand her perspective, I just wish she could have conveyed it without seeming to say the other way is wrong.

It's like watching sports. I think playing sports is really important for kids, but as a parent, I do not need to watch every practice, and I don't feel that both parents need to be at every game, and in fact, if both parents miss once in a while - that's not horrible. My husband can handle sitting and watching, I HATE it. I'll do it sometimes, but my sitting in the bleachers is not what playing the sport is about. Some parents go to not only every game, but every practice and wouldn't dream of missing any of it. If that's what they like - more power to them, but it's not for everyone.

Bonny22Pye · Guru

Ohfour wrote:
flan327 wrote:
No, it's NOT what "this generation does."

flan
Yes, it is. I dont know one kid that doesnt have a blowout. How many kids parties have you been to lately?

I have yet to go to a blow out party. Every group of parents are different, but DH and I try to avoid that stuff as much as possible. We went to a party this weekend. They rented out a my gym for 2 hours. The kids ran around like maniacs, their was cake, we went home. No gift bags or anything. It was pretty simple, just a fun location.

FNW · Guru

I'm not sure blowout parties are a thing in our area anymore. Most parties are held in places like bouncie houses or laser tag places or arcades, or in someone' home with games and food. I can remember 10 years or so ago it was the big thing to rent bounce things or huge blow-up slides, etc. for your yard, hire clowns and entertainment, etc. Not so much anymore.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

LL, I'm not sure I could actually eat those dolphins. I would feel guilty.

Growing up I remember the fun we had with our birthdays. They were always low key. My mom would order pizza or make hot dogs and we had cake and ice cream. We always had sleepovers. I remember staying up late at night "getting into trouble" IOW's talking to loud and not sleeping actually. But we always had fun and we didn't have a big bash.

I have had some biggerish parties for my own kids. When they were young and I lived in an apartment it was physically impossible to have their parties there. Not much room. I did a couple parties at McDonald's. And they were NOT expensive. Back then they provided a happy meal for each child, a prize to take home (an old happy meal prize), they played games with them, and provided a cake and ice cream. Also the birthday child got a present from Ronald McDonald. I remember my DD got a bowl, plate, cup, and silverware with McD's stuff on it. Now they've changed it and you get a happy meal and gift for each child. You also get a party planner to play games with them. But not a cake or ice cream and a gift.

A couple years ago we threw SS a party at Peter Piper which is a take off of Chuck E. Cheese. Our party person was really lame. But it was fine. The kids all got tokens to spend as part of the package. DH and I took extra money to buy tokens and hand them out. We also purchased extra pizza for the parents. We brought our cake and the restaurant provided ice cream. It wasn't that expensive and I didn't have to clean my house before and after the onslaught. Plus, we didn't have to figure out what to do with our dogs. Personally, I'd rather have the party somewhere else.

I really don't care what kind of parties people throw for their kids. If they can afford it and want to do it great. But I do see a lot of "Keeping up with the Jones" here. On the mom page I belong to you will see women who say they have a budget of $50 and want a photographer, a three tier professional cake, and a special outfit for their child to wear. They also want special invites and a chalkboard announcing the birthday. And can anyone make a cake for less than ten dollars? It got so bad that the moderators of the group put a stop to it. So in that sense yes, if you can't afford it then quit trying to out do someone else. Use the budget you have to create special memories. Your kids don't want you to go bankrupt on a cake. I think that is the kind of stuff the OP was trying to point out.

FNW · Guru

I'd rather have the party somewhere else, too, and let them take care of details. I just booked the boys' party at a laser tag place. I'll gladly pay extra for them to make the cake and serve ice cream. And since I get a two-for-one, I can pay a little more since I only have to throw one party for two children.

Mary Zombie · Guru

I had a few birthday parties growing up but my favorite birthdays were just hanging with the family and getting a raggedy Ann cake 😀😀

chef · Guru

DS' first birthday was a blowout. His second birthday, not so much. We still had games and themed food though. I made both the main and smash cakes for his first birthday and the cake for his second birthday.

His third birthday is going to be at a trampoline place near us. We figured out how to make it work with the theme we're doing so we're going there. I'll be making the cake for that party too.

just Czech · Give Me Grand's!

We have always had simple birthday parties with family. The kid gets a cake and gifts and that's about it.

Once they got to be teenagers, they would have friends over for the birthday weekend. Sometimes we would take the kids all out to eat pizza or something along those lines.

We always made the day special for that child, but that was about it.

I don't have an issue if other people want to have big fancy parties, it is each to his own, IMHO.