tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921476851679113662.post5846645463566351732..comments2020-07-16T04:52:39.363-07:00Comments on Ms. Kim's Parenting Helps: BirthdaysKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10399373286826165852noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921476851679113662.post-90923533267817801482011-03-03T17:44:38.626-08:002011-03-03T17:44:38.626-08:00So I have to say that I had two of the guests call...So I have to say that I had two of the guests call me and apologize for rushing in and out and I really didn't intend for that in this post, it really was just a post to see how others felt about birthdays and I do appreciate their apologies and I appreciate that they came and spent time with M for her birthday.<br /><br />Thanks for all of the comments everyone. I completely agree that the important thing is to make the birthday person feel special and loved. <br /><br />Kris I never knew that you guys never took presents to other people's parties and I think that helps me understand your family's attitude about gifts A LOT more! T had completely forgotten about that.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10399373286826165852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921476851679113662.post-27846935111066444692011-03-03T16:19:46.490-08:002011-03-03T16:19:46.490-08:00Every year I throw a party for my kids, no matter ...Every year I throw a party for my kids, no matter their age. I include friends and family. You can pull big, fun parties off on a budget. Whether it be at your home, the park, someone's swimming pool, or wherever you see fit! We always make sure that the birthday child feels special and knows they are loved. <br /><br />Many times guests have come to the party without bringing a gift, and the birthday child didn't feel jipped. It was just fun for everyone to get together and enjoy each other, and above all things enjoy the birthday child. I feel it is important to include the entire family in this. If they can't attend, we completely understand. <br /><br />As for us attending other children's parties, I shop throughout the year and purchase toys on clearance or on sale. The children never seem to be unhappy with them. If they were, I would simply not bring a gift next time. <br /><br />With the current economy though, many people don't even seem to be throwing parties due to finances. My rule of thumb on this is- if we are invited to a party we bring a gift. If there is no party, we don't bring a gift to them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921476851679113662.post-48932432115457761912011-03-01T13:42:01.532-08:002011-03-01T13:42:01.532-08:00So obviously since I'm from the hubby's fa...So obviously since I'm from the hubby's family I had to make a comment. Growing up my mom never bought gifts when we went to our friends' parties. We were always the ones to show up without gifts. When we asked our mom about it she always said, "Either they invited you to the party or they invited your present. If they want you there you can go because they invited you." My mom felt that if someone spent a lot of money on us when we went to a party and felt jipped we didn't bring a present that was their fault because she didn't ask them to spend on her kid. <br /><br />(situation 1) We may have gotten jipped on the presents and feeling special sometimes but we always felt loved. that's the most important. <br /><br />(situation 2) Bubba and Stina were foster kids and for their bdays their parents had huge parties with tons of friends and presents . . . but were never sure they were loved.<br /><br />priorities, priorities<br /><br />I think sometimes parents are living vicariously through their kids with these overblown "picture perfect parties" (I'm not talking about you but about kinda those utah moms who make everything look like it's out of a magazine) but guess what, the kids don't care if the cake balls are professionally made and the colors are coordinated just so - that's more about what parents like instead of the kids.<br /><br />For me the kids like being made to feel special: so they get to choose the meals, eat of the special birthday plate, choose the activity, etc.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01169756682267741997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921476851679113662.post-1643393624292329762011-03-01T11:35:18.702-08:002011-03-01T11:35:18.702-08:00For me- it's a birthDAY. We spend the whole da...For me- it's a birthDAY. We spend the whole day celebrating that person and it starts with their favorite foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm cooking anyway so it's not an added expense- it just requires pre-planning. I always make them a cake shaped or colored how they want it- dragons, dinosaurs, legos or whatever they're in to (and I can make)and then we play games and have cake- complete with lots of fire :). There's usually just one present but with my kids- nobody understands so everyone gets a goody bag. We always do something fun for that person- swimming, zoo or friends over- We've done a few full blown parties with outside friends but have asked for little or no presents just so the kids don't dwell on that- we tell them it's about the fun- not the presents. I LOVE birthdays and plan them months in advance. You can get deals on party favors, etc if you have time to look and it really is the simple things that we remember the most. I figure we made a lot of effort and plans to be ready for their special day of coming into this world- why not plan a little to celebrate them being here! :)Zookeeperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09320507463902206845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6921476851679113662.post-50161986968338991452011-03-01T10:59:34.108-08:002011-03-01T10:59:34.108-08:00We have a 10 year old and 15 mo old and for us it ...We have a 10 year old and 15 mo old and for us it depends on the year. If we have extra money then they get a bigger party to include their friends. Family is always involved for cake & ice cream and they get one big gift or a few smaller ones. But they understand that every party or Christmas may not be the same. Some bigger or some smaller, but family is always first. And if they want a bigger party then they may not get as many gifts b/c we budget it out as well. This year E wants to go to the movies w/ a few of his buddies so he'll get that and a small gift, then cake & ice cream at home w/ family.Janaenoreply@blogger.com