We asked the members of our Action News Facebook page to tell us what they think about modern-day birthday celebrations for children. And from what you told us, most think the parties are more of a show-off for the parents, than an actual party for the kids.
Here are some of your comments:
Charlene Ransom: "When I was younger, we had a party... cake and ice cream, with maybe the number of your age as a candle. The guest list was planned every year in advance... me, my two brothers, and the two boys next door. Today, they spend hundreds of dollars on a party for babies!"
Jim Barr: "Yes, they have become more of a status thing for the parents then for a celebration for the child."
Randy Hoffman-Willis: "I spent almost $600 this year. At my kids school you can't send invitations in unless you invite the whole class. That's a pain to track down other parents."
Lauren Follett Borrell: "Yup, you gotta keep up with the Jones'."
Sherry Kowalsky: "I always kept it simple, but parents today seem like they have to out-do each other."
Jennifer Colby Hughes: "Not every family can afford to keep up with the other parties and then children feel left out and get teased for not having a cool birthday party."
Sammie Rhubart: "You see parents trying to out do other parents, and getting things that are WAY too expensive. A four-year-old does not need a petting zoo at their party. Take the kids to the zoo for the day, have some cake, and the kid will be more than happy."
Lynda Milazzo Paulus: "What happened to the good ole at home parties?"
Gerald Robinson: "Birthday parties for kids under eight is a waste of time. There! I said it!"
Deb Clary: "Parents trying to out-do one another. Insanity in this economy. Same with over-the-top weddings. Nobody remembers a year later what they had to eat at your $150/plate wedding."
These opinions are practically unanimous in our Facebook survey. For those of you looking to find a simpler, less expensive way to pull off a birthday party, here are some helpful links:
KEEPING PARTIES SIMPLE: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47541.asp
BIRTHDAYS WITHOUT PRESSURE: http://www.birthdayswithoutpressure.org/question.html
KEEPING THE PARTY UNDER CONTROL: http://www.familycorner.com/parenting/ages/birthday.shtml
LINK TO OUR FACEBOOK SURVEY: http://www.facebook.com/6abc.ActionNews?ref=ts#!/6abc.ActionNews?v=wall&story_fbid=129928920352090
Good luck!
Read more Parenting Perspective blogs by visiting the Parenting Channel on 6abc.com.
