Are Separate Birthday Parties Necessary?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Carol Paxman

Is your child’s birthday one more day that you dread because you have to figure out how to share it with your ex? When I was first divorced Hailey’s birthday loomed over me like a dark cloud. I didn’t want it to be one more holiday that she would have to split between mom and dad’s house. That first birthday after the divorce was hard. Hailey was sad, her family was glaringly divided. After that year I decided never again. I wanted Hailey’s birthday to be a celebration for and about her. So I called my ex husband and hashed … Continue reading →

Birthday Party Etiquette–Who Should go with an Invited Child?

Posted on April 13, 2008 by Kori Rodley Irons

Recently, a not-so-new parent asked me what I thought was reasonable birthday party etiquette, as in who all should go along with a young child who was invited to a party? This parent thought it should be okay for the entire family to go along with the invited 5 year-old (both parents and any siblings) but I shared that I thought etiquette demanded something different. I think that unless the entire family (or even a younger or older sibling) is specifically invited, it should just be one parent and the child. Anyone who has planned a party for the younger … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas

Posted on November 16, 2006 by Myra Turner

With Tyler’s birthday fast approaching it’s time for me to get into final planning mode. He’s really excited about turning six and not so much concerned about having a party, which is fine with me. I have promised him $50 dollars and a trip to Toys R Us to spend it. Other than that we will probaby keep things really, really simple. If you have an upcoming party to plan and are looking for ideas, especially those that won’t send you to the poor house, I have a few tips you may be able to use. I found them in, … Continue reading →

Children’s Party Etiquette

Posted on October 30, 2006 by Renee Dietz

Parties are a part of every child’s life, starting at a very young age. It all starts with the baby shower before babies are even born. Then, there is another party after the birth of the child. From there, you have the child’s first birthday, friends have their child’s first birthday, and the parties just keep on going. As your child becomes older, they will go to proms, graduation parties, and eventually celebrate anniversaries and retirement parties. One of the major aspects of having a successful party for smaller children is having children who behave. After all, nothing is worse … Continue reading →

Respond Please

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Michele Cheplic

I don’t get. What is so hard about saying “yes” or “no” to a party invitation? Especially if the bash is for a child. A young child who doesn’t understand why some of his friends didn’t show up for his safari-themed shindig. Or worse, why some said they’d be there, and then bailed at the last minute. Fortunately, young children are resilient, void of pettiness, unresentful… and easily distracted by cake, ice cream, balloons, streamers and presents. Especially presents. It’s the parents hosting the party who could stand to channel more of that forgiving nature. Of course, I certainly don’t … Continue reading →

Free Family Fun from Coast-to-Coast

Posted on May 15, 2009 by Michele Cheplic

Just because the rough economy has you pinching pennies doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the sun this summer. There are hundreds of free family-friendly activities waiting for you to take advantage of this season. Take a look at just a few: ARIZONA Gather the clan at head out to the Sonoran Desert for a night of stargazing. The Kitt Peak National Observatory, located about 60 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Reservation, is home to the world’s largest collection of optical research telescopes. The observatory is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 4 … Continue reading →