It isn't going to birthday parties that's turning your kid into a wuss. It's needing to being chaperoned by her grumpy old dad at age 10. Shouldn't you just be dropping her off? My kids have parties every year (as did I -- i think). Seems they're going to one just about every other week. Some are opulent....some very basic. The very basic can be more work for the parents -- but sometimes more fun. It's just a way to socialize. I'd rather the 10yo's hang with their real friends then their virtual ones -- and if nothing else, it gives DD a break from the constant ragging they give him at cf.net. And if cost is an issue -- try to find an interesting and fun way to celebrate that doesn't cost too much. You'll have to hard sell the 'fun and interesting' so she doesn't realize you're cheapin' out. It's like dating. A 'traditional' dinner and show will cost a bundle (and not necessarily be too memorable), but a hike and a picnic will cost next to nothing (and could be a whole lot more effective).
I've only had 1 birthday party my whole life and that was in 3rd grade a looong long time ago. I've never made a big deal out of my birthday ever since I was a kid for some reason. It just doesn't make too much sense for me. I'm thinking when I have a child I'm going to brainwash them into thinking that sweet 16's are so last century and the new thing is sweet 30's. I'll promise them a badass birthday party and they'll be looking forward to it throughout their adolescent life and probably won't even care by the time they're 30. Besides they'd probably be married by then and have no time for such things.
“My father had a couple of kids at the beginning of the Depression. There was not much employment. Not much welfare. People barely got by. People were tougher then. We live in more of a p***y generation now, where everybody’s become used to saying, “Well, how do we handle it psychologically?” In those days, you just punched the bully back and duked it out. Even if the guy was older and could push you around, at least you were respected for fighting back, and you’d be left alone from then on. I don’t know if I can tell you exactly when the p***y generation started. Maybe when people started asking about the meaning of life.”
^^^^ This Why are you going with her? I don't ever remember my parents or anyone else's coming to the parties with me.
Agreed, sorta. I never once had a birthday party at Chuckee Cheese or place like that (or at least that I can remember) ...but I had a simple party at home every year. And every kid I knew had a party. But these over-the-top parties at party factory kill me. We just rent a jumpy for the backyard, fire up the grill, buy lots of beer and have a party in the backyard. I've had several parents tell us how much fun it was ...and the kids could care less as long as their friends are there.
My kids have always had parties but we've never once done the chuck e cheese type parties. Usually a cake and a couple friend over is fine. Usually my daughter gets jipped because her birthday is July 1st and all her friends are gone that weekend so she has to plan it a weekend before or after. My son's birthday is April 4th so he gets it a little better and often times we have a crawfish boil or go to the beach or something like that. Prefab parties at "entertainment" places are way over rated. Spanking is another issue all together. Never had to spank my kids and never will and my kids are some of the best behaved well mannered kids around. It's all in how you raise them. I'm not saying some kids don't deserve it or you shouldn't be able to use it as a form of punishment, I'm just saying that I've chosen a different method of discipline that works well for my kids.
Sweet 16? Damn, another reason to be glad I don't have a daughter. So much damn overhead. You should just forget about it and let Jake Ryan handle it.
I just turned 38 last weekend, had my first child (son) thanksgiving night. I can't wait to share things with him, sports, music just sit and talk with him and teach him about life. I didn't have much growing up but my mom made it a point to give me a birthday party or a nice Christmas whether or not we had much money. I appreciated it and even more now. My son is going to learn that you have to earn and work hard for things in life so I'm not worried about him being spoiled or bratty. He's gonna know I love the hell out of him but I'll also be fairly strict on certain things. Anyway, I feel birthdays are important, it makes kids feel loved and special. Hopefully I do a good enough job that he knows that regardless of a party. Totally digging being a dad, best thing I've ever done. So hope it works out for you manny, cant be all that bad right? Sidenote, cd's finished, hit me up let me know what you want me to do with them
If they deserve a party and you can afford to throw them one....why not? My kids have always had a good time at theirs. Is this a money issue for you? Because your complaints are almost always about finances. I noticed this went from being about your kids childhood and then it went towards your supposedly 'strict' childhood. Stop b****ing or stop spending all of your money on music…heck, cut your music purchases in half. There is a way to teach your kids that they can have a nice party especially if they deserve it. If not, then don’t do it. Stop thinking so damn much and raise those kids. Sorry, the father came out ^^^^^^^^^^^^ 4 kids here bud.
I'm with the OP. I had them as a kid, but mostly with family, close friends, and relatives. Nothing big, just cake and food. I guess since it was never a big event growing up, I don't really go crazy over it now that I'm older. Just another day out of many. More an excuse to go out drinking with friends.
We always celebrate our kids' birthdays. It's usually (but not always) a party. Sometimes it's a "let's go to on a road trip" or a "let's go to the fun restaurant" thing. Or maybe a sleepover, or maybe a special day at a park or movie, or something. This keeps variety in there, doesn't spoil the kid, keeps things fun and can keep costs down. Bottom line: Always a celebration. Usually (but not always) a party.
I don't really see how throwing a kids party will make them spoiled and bratty. We have our kids parties at the house- rent a bouncy house, throw some burgers on the grill, buy a cake, invite over family and friends and there ya go. I guess if finances are your issue that is diffrent, but if not I really don't see why you would NOT want to have a party. My kids really have a great time at theirs and really look forward to them.
I haven't had a birthday party since I was like 17. I'm 27. All I want is a nice dinner with my family and a cigar with friends.
You complainers sound like crotchety old men. The good ol' days aren't as good as you remember. I usually cheap out on my kids birthdays, but they get some kind of party. I do like going to the fancy parties other parents throw. The last one had a magician; that was a lot of fun.
i had a birthday every year of my chgildhood and through my adulthood i used to get spanking too but not through my adulthood i have given all my chidlren a party every year they have been alive a kids party is a reason to invite everyone over for a good time and good drinks
My in-laws own a bounce castle. That has been the main ingredient in my now-4-yr-old's last 3 b-days. Bounce Castle + backyard = cheap b-day parties. My wife is an incessant planner. She's already planning my 8 mo. old's b-day for June and will probably be planning my 4-yr-old's for Sept soon.
I hear clowns are all the rage... <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xXyzl2AJZSw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xXyzl2AJZSw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>