Kids' Birthday Parties

 I love my 2 kids soooooo much. That's not up for debate. But one thing I do NOT love is hosting kids' birthday parties. When I was growing up, I had an emotionally traumatizing birthday party experience that caused a lifelong dislike of celebrating my own birthday. So for the most part, I did not have parties growing up. However, in wanting my kids to have a better experience than I did, we've been going along with the trend of having parties for my kids in which they get to invite some or all of their classmates to some third location (never at our house.... that's a story for another time) for a party.

Let me tell you what I don't like about it.

1) the expense. It's always a couple hundred dollars, and I am not made of money.

2) the invitation process. I don't want to hurt any feelings, and somehow, this is a duty that always falls to me as the mother.

3) small talk at the party. Usually other parents are fine; there is nothing wrong with them. But as an introverted person, I just loathe the superficial niceties.

4) party favors. It was only at the most recent party that I just skipped favors altogether. There is an expectation that the host provides gifts for the guests, but the gifts are usually junky types of things that are fun for about 5 minutes. I don't see the point in spending that money and stress on such a short-lived joy. The party itself, the fun activities, and the cake should be enough to thank the guests for coming.

I am not a fan. But let me tell you what I do like about these parties. Seeing the joy on my kids' faces. Letting my kids feel special for the day, and loved. Watching my children learn how to graciously accept gifts. And building a little bit of community with the parents of the other kids. 

All in all, I give kids' birthday parties a 3/10. But will I keep doing it? Hell yeah. And do I tell my kids that I don't like doing it? No way. That's my crap to deal with; I'm not gonna put that on my kids.

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