As a new mom, one of the biggest milestones in your child’s first year is their FIRST birthday. But as that big day approached for my daughter, the thought of throwing a party turned into a serious headache. I can practically hear the gasps of horror from those reading this: “What kind of parent skips their kid’s birthday party?!”
Okay, I get it; I might be failing at this parenting thing. Maybe that’s why my daughter refuses to say “Mama.” But let’s be honest—she’s only ONE. She’ll be just fine. We celebrated her big day with plenty of family fun, just sans the guest list. Plus, isn’t the party really more about us parents?
Cheers to us for surviving the first year without a manual! So, for anyone on the fence about a first birthday celebration, here are my reasons for opting out of the festivities:
- Memory? What Memory?
She won’t remember a thing! And if she ever asks about it down the line, I’ll spin an extravagant yarn about how all the Disney princesses showed up with a pony, but we had to send it back because of New York City housing rules. Sure, we won’t have any photos, but who would check my story anyway? - Gifts Equals Work
More presents mean more thank-you notes, which means more work for me. No, thank you! - Pinterest Pressure
Let’s face it, the over-the-top party ideas on Pinterest have set an impossible standard. I am not competing with the parent who made custom party hats and a life-sized candy unicorn. Sorry, kiddo, I’m not crafty. - Budget Constraints
We’re pretty broke. Unless you can start changing your own diapers and taking yourself to the park, that birthday party fund is gone. Thanks, Nanny Lisa, for your unexpected raise demands. - Character Building
A little disappointment never hurt anyone, right? - No One Wants to Attend
Let’s be real: adults don’t want to spend their weekend at a first birthday party unless there’s booze involved. Our tiny apartment isn’t exactly party central, and kid-friendly venues don’t appreciate keg deliveries at 11 a.m. - Did I Mention Memory?
Seriously, she won’t remember it! - Let’s Be Honest, We’re Just Lazy
There, I said it.
On her actual birthday, I felt that “mom guilt” creeping in, so I did what any well-meaning parent would do: I hung up a banner, grabbed some balloons, baked a Funfetti cake, and documented it all on Instagram.
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In summary, while some might go all out for their child’s first birthday, it’s completely okay to keep things simple. After all, the most important thing is celebrating together as a family.