Now that you have kids, does it seem that your social calendar is overrun by birthday parties? Although we Modern Moms love the chance to socialize, even if it is over Juicy Juice and Goldfish crackers, keeping up with your child's burgeoning social life can be a drag. Here's our quick guide to making it though 52 birthday parties a year without losing your sanity and breaking the bank:
- Stockpile!
Found a great, affordable birthday gift for three year olds? Buy 3 - 5 immediately, wrap them, and put them away. We like putting post-it notes on the wrapped gifts reminding us exactly what's inside when it comes time to dole one out.
- Negotiate with your mate
Many birthday invites will come from bare acquaintances kids your child knows from the park, from mommy & me class, tumbling classes, etc. If both parents don't know the hosts well, there's no need to drag the whole gang out. Make a calendar of birthday parties and trade off chaperoning duties with your spouse.
- Just say no
Kids love birthday parties and nothing wears a kid out like a celebration with his friends, but we know that sometimes there is more to life than 12 weekends in a row of pint size fetes. Designate birthday free weekends during the "high season" (for us, this is it -- Summertime means at least one birthday party a week) and make it up to the party throwing family with a play date during the week when the kids can get together.
- When you're playing host
Time to celebrate for your little bundle? While planning kid friendly activities and grub, make sure to put some thought into similar amusements for the adults. For example, have round table for the adults to sit at together, provide name tags ("I'm Amelia's father, Dave"), and offer grown up snacks and drinks (alcohol is OK too, if you like. Just keep it out of reach from little hands).
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