Right from the word go I got the children’s birthday parties wrong for my two eldest children. What was I thinking? My head was buried somewhere else because from elaborate parties to huge catering bashes from decorative gatherings to theme parties, I did everything unsuitable for their age. The under 5-year-old doesn’t remember or get super excited about the whole sha-bam and from experience the under 5-year-old’s get into frenzies, have tantrums or go into overdrive from excitement on the day of their party! Grrr and more often than not I would want to go into hiding!!!
With baby number 3 I finally got it right! I think you get everything right by the time you get to the third. Up until now a birthday cake of his choice and a small family gathering at home to celebrate has been the deal for the past 4 years. This year, his first birthday party preparations are so exciting for him, he has made his own choices from cake to food from themes to games. He has even planned missions for his nursery friends. He is in a state of ecstasy! His excitement gives me such an enormous buzz, a feeling totally unlike what I had whilst preparing for the other two children’s parties.
What I’ve come to understand is that at age 1 the celebration is that of your new title ‘parent’. For the two-year-old who swings from anger to excitement in minutes it is trying and frustrating. At three our little ones begin to really understand parties (and this is only if they are at nursery). By four they are full of energy and imagination, they are excited (but exhausting) party-goers. But the five-year-old, knows parties are a very momentous occasion and wants to take part in every bit of the planning, and it is the anticipation of the party that dominates their lives (and mine at the moment). So here is where we are at now – enjoying the whole process to the fullest, every available moment of every single day!
At every birthday party we have been to over the last six months, my little one has said, ‘I want my party to be here mummy,’ his decisions having been influenced from parties at burger king, play lands, football parks, hotels and back gardens. Knowing that there will be a big turnout for his first ‘real’ party, I’ve chosen a venue that will satisfy my party boy and suit all are guests. Everything else has been his choice and, may I say, with confidence, ease and certainty.
NERF IS THE NAME OF THE GAME
Thanks to ‘You tube’, my son has cultivated a Nerf obsession that our home walls are well acquainted with. We have learnt to ignore flying bullets, bullets under pillows, bullets in our draws and bullets in the bath tub, basically bullets everywhere! … so it’s no surprise that NERF would be his theme. Completely chosen by him, cake, favour and décor are in blue, white and orange his adored colour scheme.
Making them feel like kings (or queens) during the lead up and on their day is one of the best (and most lasting) gifts we can give them. I am thoroughly enjoying his joy and pleasure and every lunchtime conversation which is centred around his big day.
So dear parents, knowing that our five year old’s enjoy dramatic play, are usually ready for games, have motor skills and have started playing well with other children, now is the age to put the effort into your kiddies’ parties – give them the party to remember!
