Birthday Parties
It was my youngest granddaughters
second birthday party recently and it was a lovely occasion – for family and
friends, and especially our little Kylie.
It was a little party with simple
decorations, practical eats and a few friends and family. Nothing over-the-top like,
for example, Khloé Kardashian’s daughter True’s first birthday party when
R119,000 was spent on pastel balloons alone! There were also neon lights,
sculptured foliage and ‘unicorn’ ponies amongst other extravagances.
I’ve been invited to many First
birthday parties where there has been too much fuss. By the time the last guest
leaves, the family is exhausted, there’s a huge mess to clean up and the
birthday girl or boy is miserable.
Keep it simple. If you have the
money to ‘splash out’, wait until your child is at least five before hiring a
party-planner, venue and entertainer.
Here are some do's in the meantime:
Do take photographs and have the best
ones printed or copied for safe-keeping – pictures on your cell phone will be
deleted by time your child is older.
Try and keep junk-food to a
minimum: be creative with savoury sandwiches, vegetable sticks, cheese, cocktail
sausages and fruit kebabs.
Children’s birthday parties are not
about the adults and grandparents – they’re mostly about the children. Plan
games and activities with prizes. Remember it’s not what you say and do for the
children that’s important, it’s how you make them feel that they will remember.
Some children are shy when they’re left with strangers. They may not want to
join in the games or they may feel alienated because they’re not part of the
‘in’ crowd. Do little things for these children to help them ‘fit in’ and have
fun with the rest of the gang.
Gather the children round not only
for lighting the birthday-cake candles and singing, but also for opening the
presents. I’ve been to parties where the presents are put away to be opened
afterwards. Children feel special when ‘their’ present is opened and admired by
all.
Birthday parties are not only about
the food: they’re also about learning social skills and helping your child, who
is the ‘star’ of the day to be a gracious host and celebrity. Plan well.
Prepare early. Enjoy the day with your child. After all, that’s what Birthday
parties are about.
