In defense of weekends filled with kids’ birthday parties

In defense of weekends filled with kids’ birthday parties

In parenting folklore there is a standard that your life will be consumed by taking your child to their friends’ birthday parties. It’s safe to say we’re full throttle in that season of life.  Lately when a coworker or non-parent friend asks me about weekend plans I’ve rattled off a few things including a birthday party. “Again? Wow. That’s all you do.” they respond.  Though scheduling can often be challenging with my two kiddos, I’m really enjoying birthday party season.

As a working mama of two, our playdates can sometimes be far and few.  Weekends become filled up with errands and family obligations. Since our kids see friends all day long at preschool, I don’t worry if they’re getting enough social interaction. I let the playdate thing slide.  But at a birthday party, all my daughter’s friends are there. And I get to see the full spectrum of interaction and joy they bring each other. She talks about her friends every day and this fills in the picture much further than the quick glimpse I get at drop off or pick up.

Birthday parties also bring an opportunity to socialize with other parents in a low pressure way.  Our kids are getting older and they’re a little more hands off, which leaves time to chat. We’ve been very fortunate to pick a wonderful school that is full of great people.  I’ve yet to find any cliques or gossip. Everyone gets along well and are very supportive and helpful to one another. In the realm of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ they are part of our village and I love that supportive reminder.

We also get to check out some great spots around town that we had never been before.  Oviedo Aquatic Facility, Aloma Bowl, Amaya Papaya, and Arcadia Kid’s Museum, are just a few of the fun places we’ve discovered because of a birthday party.  I love adding options to our list.

This season of life won’t last forever. Eventually we’ll drop the kids off at parties and leave.  And oh won’t that be so great too. Right?  Do parents do that these days?  How much helicoptering do we need to do?  But for now I’m just happy to spend some time with great families that have become friends in new places we all explore together.

Looking for ways to make birthday party presents manageable?  Check out our birthday present hacks here and here.