MARK KENNEDY: Karen, both of my boys, ages 3 and 8, have birthdays later this month. Since they are were late October babies, we always celebrate their birthdays on Halloween. It’s a ready-made theme party. Sometimes it’s hard to separate the trick-or-treaters from the party kids at my house on Halloween night. I feel like I’ve been to a thousand birthday parties over the last eight years, and you begin to see what works and what doesn’t. Thoughts?
KAREN NAZOR HILL: I always thought that one of my responsibilities as a good parent was to celebrate my children’s birthdays with parties. It was a big deal at our house and something we all looked forward to, no matter whose birthday we were celebrating. We did have a theme for each party, and I left it up to the birthday child to choose the theme. Our birthday parties were affordable. Only on several occasions did we celebrate outside our home. As the children grew older, probably around fourth grade and up, we had slumber parties. And we never paid for entertainment. Instead of pony rides, we had wheelbarrow rides. Instead of a hired clown, one of my children portrayed a clown. And the best part of every party was when the lights went out. My father appeared with a flashlight under his chin telling ghost stories (always the highlight of the party).
MARK: My boys enjoy attending parties that involve physical activity. That way they can burn off the sugar rush from party snacks. Bowling, swimming and inflatables are their favorites. My guys also enjoy picking out birthday gifts, although sometimes I wonder if gift-giving doesn’t get too much emphasis at some birthday parties. I like parties where opening presents isn’t the main event.
KAREN: My children never attended a birthday party with inflatables (keep in mind my youngest child is now 28!). But we always had parties with races, games, etc. My granddaughter will celebrate her 4th birthday in December. Though she chooses the theme (last year it was “Dora,” and this year she’s considering “Strawberry Shortcake”), she always has a special guest make an appearance – Santa Claus. My husband invested in a good Santa costume and, as Santa, visits the party and has his photo made with each child, and some adults. It’s the highlight of the party. As for presents, I think parents should set a monetary limit. Most of the parties my granddaughter goes to, there’s a $10 gift limit. I think that’s a good idea. A birthday party should be more about having fun with family and friends than materialism.