Are Children’s Birthday Parties Getting Out of Control?
My stepson turns 9 next month, and we are in the process of planning his birthday party. It’s not going to be too elaborate - we’re renting a couple of lanes at the bowling alley during “cosmic bowl” for about 8 kids and having cake. Total cost: $56 plus the cost of invitations, cake and paper plates/utensils.
A few years ago, we had a bigger birthday package at a different bowling alley, where there were about 13 kids, pizza/hot dogs, cake/ice cream, arcade tokens, a private party room and a bowling pin that all the kids sign. Total cost of that package: $170 plus cake. I’m glad most of the parents stuck around, because there were so many kids I’m sure we would have lost one.
Last year, we decided to keep things “simple” and had a slumber party at our house with three guests. It was pure hell - the kids were arguing, crying, chasing the dog, jumping off stairs and spraining ankles, etc. So we decided not to do that again until the kids are older. I will gladly pay the bowling alley $56 to avoid having a party at our house!
Many of my stepson’s friends have much more elaborate parties than we do, however. Common parties include mini golf/go karts at a local fun center (package cost: $256 plus tax/gratuity), attending professional baseball games, lazer tag, parties at pottery studios, etc. Granted, most of the people throwing these parties can afford to, but it can create high expectations for the other children. For example, my stepson came home from a party last year and said, “Jake’s parents gave him $300 for his birthday! Can you believe that? I want to get $300 for my birthday!” So I calmly and politely explained that there is no way in hell that is going to happen.
The trend toward more and more elaborate birthday parties for children is happening throughout the country. If you are interested in the topic, check out this website I found on the subject: http://www.birthdayswithoutpressure.org/
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[...] Gets Personal presents, “Are Children’s Birthday Parties Getting Out of Control?“. Finance Girl states that the trend toward more and more elaborate birthday parties for [...]
[...] Gets Personal presents, “Are Children’s Birthday Parties Getting Out of Control?“. Finance Girl states that the trend toward more and more elaborate birthday parties for [...]
Oh ya, you’re absolutely right. Birthday parties are out of control. My kids go to elaborate parties all year long. It’s insane!! The parties cost more than I want to think about. I thought this was just a Long Island thing, but apparently I’m wrong.