My husband and I have a difference of opinion on birthday parties. Our kids are 2 and 5. My husband thinks that each kid should have a birthday party every year. I think every other year is just fine. In other words, if we alternated, we would still be doing a birthday party every year.

What does your family do? Is there a birthday party every year for the kids in your family? How frequently do you think a kid should have birthday parties? I'd appreciate any opinions on the subject.

I have to admit: I hate planning and throwing these parties. If it was up to me, we would never have birthday parties. We would just do something special as a family on each birthday.
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08-25-03, 02:38 PM
Georgia85
I say do it every year...or don't do it at all. To alternate every other year will leave the child who is not having a birthday party that year to wonder what he/she did wrong and if you are mad at them...

When I was a child and living on Army bases I had a party every year until I was maybe 8 or so. Then I had a party for "special" birthdays like 13, 16, and 21.

But there is nothing wrong with just having family celebrations and much easier on you. So while they are still young why don't you forgo planning any more parties and stick with just family gatherings. It will be much easier on you and less confusing to them than wondering why they only get to "celebrate" every other year.
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08-25-03, 09:47 PM
jejelale
Birthday parties can be costly anymore. I always had small family cookouts when my kids had their birthdays. When they got older, we always went out to dinner, just mom, dad and the birthday teen.
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08-26-03, 07:58 AM
MrsS
I prefer the option of family celebrations over alternating years....maybe allowing the "Birthday Boy/Girl" to invite one or two friends along...Well, actually, I like the family gathering better than the party, period...It has been my observation that birthday parties, especially for little ones, tend to create hurt feelings....unless you're crazy/generous/wealthy enough to invite the entire class AND every kid in that age group for two block around, someone will feel left out. I think it's much better to have a little outing.... zoo, carnival,arcade, minigolf, whatever...use the money you saved on the party to buy a saving certificate for college or something Big Grin
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08-26-03, 08:04 AM
Sherasi
We do a birthday party for everyone in the family.

By that I don't mean, clowns and hordes of people and major money. I simply mean a few gifts, cake, ice-cream with a few decorations such as streamers and balloons.

Memories don't have to be made from EXPENSIVE experiences. My boys are happy just to be made much of and get some hugs, kisses and feel like big boys when people sing Happy Birthday to them!

For mom and dad, we simply usually get whatever meal we want, a few presents and a cake and ice-cream. That is it. Really, not a lot of fuss.

I don't think it is fair to do one and not the other. A couple times, we did both of them together (they are only a month apart and they really don't yet understand when or what Birthday are or mean really.. they are just happy having a small party).
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08-26-03, 08:17 AM
Lydia
I think that given that the Birthday occurs every year, children should have a Birthday celebration of some kind every year. If you choose not to have a full-blown party, that's one thing, but a celebration of some sort is in order - especially at that age...
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08-26-03, 08:47 AM
twinhearts
We always have a small get together with the grandparents and have cake and ice cream. Last year, I let my twins each have a kid from their class come and stay the night. They got to order pizza and watch a movie.
My little one will be three this weekend. We will make an exception for this party. It will be a big one. Barbeque, swimming, family, and neighbors. We are in the process of adopting him and it will be his first birthday with us as a family.
I don't think you need to go all out for most birthdays. Most kids are happy with cake and ice cream, a few streamers and balloons, and some gifts.
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08-29-03, 10:06 PM
clarebear
I like the idea of a birthday party every year with family. It can be as simple as a regular dinner with the family, a paper table cloth, Happy Birthday streamer, cake and icecream.
It is their one special day. Let them have it.




No kid should be sad on their birthday.



You gotta admit. Just seeing the happy birthday made ya smile. Even if it isn't your birthday today. Big Grin
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08-30-03, 12:47 AM
JaggedEdge
My parents were always fair. What they did for one, they did for the other. My sisters and I had a party every year.
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09-08-03, 10:52 AM
Jane Doe
Gee, no one is thrilled with the every-other-year idea. You guys win. I think we'll have some sort of party every year. It does not have to be a big deal I guess.
Thanks to everyone for their input.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,