The only one who feels guilty for NOT throwing their child a "real" birthday party. It started last year with Kaylee. We decided that since money is tight we were only going to give her a family party. We figured that we needed to keep it "fair" and told all the kids they would only get a family party for their next birthdays. It didn't bother me giving Kaylee a family birthday--she was only turning 2; I think it's normal at that age. It also didn't bother me only giving Jacob a family party...probably because he's had more than his share...he was an only child for 3.5 years and was pretty spoiled over the years. But it's different with Ryan, for some reason. He turns 5 this thursday and we are gonna have a little family party at Jeepers in Mesa. Actually, I've broken the rules a tad and invited Jalen and Ewa Quibilian, because our families are close...so they are kind of like family. But still, I feel so overcome with guilt. Ryan is beyond excited and hasn't once complained, but I think that is why I feel so rotten. He is one kid who will think one's the greatest for something so small. I just feel like I'm robbing him of this opportunity. He went to Sareny's party last month and has been looking forward to HIS party since. I know HE won't feel disappointed--but for whatever reason I do.
Hmmm. I guess I need to just get over it. Obviously I am allowing something small to be something it's not.
Disneyland
5 months ago
2 comments:
I know what you mean but don't feel guilty. We only do "real" parties for milestone type bdays like 5 (going to school), 8 (getting baptized), 10 (double digits), 12 (YW/YM)... and maybe 16 (we'll see about that one!) With 4 kids, it would get CRAZY if you did a real party all the time for each kid!! Parties are so much work!! I think a small party at Jeepers sounds like a good birthday!
Growing up our family did what Amy said they do. We celebrated as a family every birthday and we had friend parties at 8, 12, 16. I think it is so easy to give in to the peer pressure "Everybody else is giving there kids parties... but I think it is so important to teach kids that you can't have everything and that is okay.
Growing up we celebrated with a special breakfast on our birthday and I believe it was around $20 worth of presents. We had a big family and not a lot of money. I don't feel bad about that now.
When Ema turned 5 I thought we would do a small party with two kids...that party still ended up costing me twice what I had planned.
I think you are doing the right thing and I am with ya!
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