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| |    Birthday Parties: A Child's Time to Shine by Penny Warner reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. One of the most significant milestones in your child's life occurs every year: his birthday. The occasion is often more important to your child than any other holiday because it's unique to him. It's the one day he gets to be the center of attention, the special guest of honor, the birthday boy (or girl). Your child's birthday has meaning for you as a parent, too. It's a reminder of the day he came into this world, and it offers you a chance to show him how wonderful and loved he is. It's a time to reflect on the year that has passed, and admire his accomplishments, joys, and ever-increasing maturity. It's also a time to look ahead to the upcoming year and what it may hold for your child. Party on, dude Most parents honor the birthday child with a party so that he can share the day with family and friends. Some parents relish throwing these affairs, others would rather go in for a root canal. But even if you quake at the thought of entertaining a covey of sugar-crazed, hyped-up young revelers, you should make the effort for your child's sake. These parties are much more than candles, games, and a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." They also can be:
When your child is a baby or toddler, the birthday party is more for parents, relatives, and family friends, so you might host a picnic at the park or some other event that appeals to adults as well as being appropriate for the little guest of honor. As he enters the preschool years, his self-awareness becomes more acute, and he realizes that the party is a special event for him, so plan something based on his interests, such a cartoon character party. During the elementary years, the birthday party usually turns into a themed-based social event, with friends gathered together to play games, do activities, eat snacks, and take home favors. Pizza parties, skating parties, and sports-related parties are popular at that age. Even during the teenage years, the birthday party has great significance for your child, offering him more independence, decision-making opportunities, and challenging activities. Sleepovers are especially fun for preteens and teens. No matter what kind of party you decide on, remember to factor in your child's personality. There's no sense in throwing a baby-doll-theme party for your second-grade tomboy, for example, or in insisting on a large bash for your painfully shy preschooler. If you keep in mind your child's interests, temperament, and developmental abilities (as well as those of his friends), you'll be able to plan the ideal party, and further enhance his personal growth. A helping hand Although birthdays are a blast for children, some parents feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning a birthday party, especially when faced with the many details of hosting a get-together. But it doesn't have to be a stressful time, as long as you plan ahead--everything from the invitations, decorations, and refreshments, to the games, activities, and favors. Even the cost can be minimal with a little imagination and creativity-in fact, the party itself will be more personal and unique if you do most of it yourself. We've got some suggestions that can help you plan and prepare a great birthday party for your child at any age. We've divided the parties into developmental levels, and offered specific ideas for fun, games, and snacks. Most of all, we hope to remind you that the purpose of hosting a birthday party for your child is to honor him on this exciting day, and let him know how special he really is. We're here to help make it a piece of cake!
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