5 is a big birthday - or is it?

[busymama77]

5 for DS means ending pre-school and starting Kindergarten. (for me, not for DS). My family made it a big deal for me and same for DH. Do you or did you make it a big deal for your LO? We'd like to maybe get him a nice bike or a nice party at a local indoor bounce place for kids.

I'm a planner and DS's bday isn't until January, but I'm already starting to think about it.

[crowcaw]

Hmmm, ours in in Sept and I haven't thought of it as much different than 4. We're having a party at our house and no big extra special presents.

[tjjazzy]

if you feel it is something big and special and want it to be, why not??? have a party, have some fun with it, celebrate the next childhood step in his life!

[ewe+lamb]

Yeah for us i guess it's a big birthday we celebrate the 5s the 10s etc, but that's with a party the kids presents do not differ, we're not into elaborate gifts anyway it's the enjoyment of the party which is more important and having the folk that are special to them at that time which makes it fun, plus, the games etc - but I agree with the pp who said do what you feel you all would like to do and as long as it's fun I guess it doesn't matter what you 'do'. Have a great time all the same

[ASusan]

If you make a big deal out of 5, and your child knows it, then s/he might better accept when next year's party (6) isn't as over-the-top with rental place or bike.

Some families make a big deal out of double digits (10), and I think 5 is pretty special, for the reasons you state.

[milosmomma]

DD's 5th bithday was pretty much the same as her other birthdays. I have noticed that a lot of our friends did it a little bigger for LO's 5th b-day, but it seemed like it was because it was the first year that they had a class full of kids to invite. Of course, it varies from person to person (some have been in preschool for a while, others skip Pre-K or unschool), but it's something I noticed among our (and DD's) friends.

I agree with PP, do what you want.

[Shenjall]

5 is a big one here b/c, as ds put it when he turned 5, he's "a whole hand!",

5, 10, 13, 16 and 18 are the "big" bdays here. We have little traditions for each of them. 5 is usually the first bike; 10 is usually a bigger than normal party; 13 you get a $50 bill; 16 you get your choice of a: limo ride or b: this $50 huge burger (9lbs of beef!) that if you eat the whole thing, you get your $50 back; and 18 is some cash and a night out on the town.


If its important to you, then go ahead! Party away!

[Heavenly]

We don't believe in "big" birthdays. We celebrate every birthday as if it were the biggest day in the world, because it is - to our family - it is the day our child was born. I guess to the child there might be birthdays that are more significant, such as turning 13 (finally a teenager!) but we don't give any more attention to those birthdays than to others.