Birthday-Party-Nomics
Kidlet has been invited to a slew of birthday parties this month. My calendar is chock-a-block with dates, times, themes, venues – and it’s not even something that I am organising. Before I lift a snooty finger at all the parents out there who are diligently planning and organising their kids’ next birthday party – let me admit – I have been guilty of the same – many times over!
The big party, the fancy cake, the forcibly long guest list (because the caterer needs a minimum number if nothing else!). Something birthday parties reminds me about getting into Bombay locals – you just get drawn by the flow into the moving train – in this case the birthday bandwagon.
After three years of Mickey, Princess and Dora I have finally sat kidlet down and told her that this year the party – if we have one – will be at home. Ironically it is also the first year when she is very actively participating in planning the party. I must mention here that after the initial shock of being told – no hall, games, DJ or puppet show – she has been remarkably calm and prepared about readying herself for the celebrations.
Topping the agenda is of course the hot topic of the guest list. Given the fact that she probably has friends in the neighbourhood of about a few dozens, I’m not really looking forward to the big list pruning! However there are some suggestions that I have given kidlet to help her decide:
1. Call people who make you happy: After all a birthday is a happy day and you don’t want to be spending it squabbling with people. Easier said than done – all kids have their moods and minds and it is difficult (though not impossible) to choose a few who meet this criteria.
2. Choose 5 games: …that make you roll with laughter, dance around and sing out loud. (I’m trying to keep messy out of this – because it is going to be a house party after all!)
3. Choose a theme – and get crafty with it: Kidlet’s birthday comes soon after the summer vacation gets over. Guess what I am going to do to keep her occupied over the holidays? Make decorations for the party! All the paper, scissor and glitter she wants – she can have. And there is nothing as charming as kiddie made decorations!
4. Food: Mamma gets to cook (or order in) – but kidlet gets to choose the cake. Since its a house party – I wouldn’t mind going a little OTT with cake decorations (stuff that I can’t do on my own) . And what’s a fab party without a fab cake. 🙂
That’s all! I think that should do – with some planning and some initiative I do think we will be able to pull it off. And we may still get a big, fancy present in lieu of all the money a big fat party would save. Or maybe not. But it shall be a fun party.
What say?
Nidhi Dorairaj Bruce is a Freelance writer from Mumbai who also manages a parenting website : thechildrensdaily.net . With no formal education in Parenting, she has been getting on-the-job training ever since her daughter, affectionately referred to as ‘the kidlet’, arrived on the scene 5 years ago. You can connect with Nidhi @typewritermom , nidhibruce.com
