Problem with Birthday Parties, need advice - Page 2

[mnj77]

I just had a party for my dd's 5th birthday.  I requested no gifts on the invitation because I didn't want the crazy gift opening and pile of toys that would never be played with.  Every one of her friends brought a gift anyway.  And I was pleasantly surprised that all of the gifts were thoughtful and appeared to be tailored to my dd's interests!  She's been in school with these kids for two years and it was really heartwarming that the kids and parents seem to have really made an effort to get to know her.  We opened the gifts at home, and my dd was genuinely grateful and cheerfully wrote thank you cards.  So, even though I tried to avoid the gift orgy, it turned out to be a positive experience.  And I do think it's good for children to learn how to give and receive gifts graciously from a variety of people who are more or less close to them.  Just some thoughts.

[ljc]

Originally Posted by ChiaraRose 

oh,and it is nice that you have small family celebrations, but we only have us, no family around, so we see our friends as family.

 
     I agree 100% that friends can absolutely be seen as family. We have several close friends whom we consider family.  In fact my children consider our friend and neighbor to be a     grandmother - so of course she is included in the "family celebrations."  I'm simply stating that there are other meaningful  ways to celebrate a child's birthday than inviting an entire  classroom of playmates. Or feeling obligated to attend each of the parties to which your child receives an invite.