“It was such an incredible birthday bash!” my close friend exclaimed. “They even had a gourmet food truck!” I must admit, I do enjoy the novelty of ordering food from a vibrant little truck. But really, how much fun can a child have at a party like that? Especially if that child is only two years old. “Oh, and there were inflatable slides and bounce houses galore!” she added.
Let’s be honest—what toddler wouldn’t relish a gourmet meal while zooming down a slide that looks like the Titanic? Well, my son might not be one of them. Perhaps it’s my practical nature, or maybe I’m just a somewhat stern mom, but I don’t understand the necessity of spending a fortune on an extravagant birthday celebration for my little one. Before I became a mom, I thought those lavish kid parties were just stories meant for celebrities or reality TV. But then I began hearing tales from other moms about parties where they hired princesses, balloon artists, and even reptile shows—all wrapped into one event. My wallet and my heart ached. Whatever happened to simply enjoying cake and ice cream with friends and family?
Growing up, my birthday parties were quite simple. I recall balloons, cake, laughter, and running around in the backyard with friends—no rented bounce houses, no clowns. I have zero regrets about those times; my parents didn’t need to hire a snow machine in July or bring in the cast of Frozen to make my day special. (Okay, I might hold a tiny grudge about not having Han Solo at my ninth birthday, but he was busy with his own adventures back then.) What I cherish are the memories of family and friends, and that’s what I wish for my son.
I want my son’s birthdays to be memorable, too, but I believe that the overwhelming competition of extravagant parties isn’t right for us. I don’t want to teach my son that more is better when it comes to celebrating his special day. In our home, abundance won’t equate to love. Instead, I hope he experiences an overflow of affection from those around him. So, we’ll stick to the basics for his birthdays—balloons, party hats, cake, ice cream, and all the traditional trimmings.
In the future, if he really wants a clown, maybe I’ll consider it (I’m not completely heartless), but a full-blown theme park will not be on the agenda. My toddler doesn’t need to celebrate as if it were a grand extravaganza. I don’t need to impress anyone with a lavish party to demonstrate my love for him. I’d do anything for him—except hire a celebrity duo to sing “Happy Birthday.”
These enormous parties often seem more about the parents than the kids. While my son might remember every song from classic films, I doubt he’ll recall the details of his second birthday in a few years. He finds joy in simple things, like cardboard boxes, just as much as he does in extravagant gifts. So, the lavishness isn’t necessary for him.
Later, if he looks through old family photos before heading off to college and asks, “Mom, where was my life-sized Millennium Falcon and army of Stormtroopers for my 2nd birthday? Didn’t you love me?” will I feel guilty? Not really. Maybe a little. But I’ll simply remind him, “You adored blowing bubbles that year! We had a bubble-blowing party! And honestly, we just couldn’t afford the spaceship and Troopers, because we had to hire them for your dad’s birthday instead.”
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the World Health Organization. You might also find useful information on home insemination at Make a Mom. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
In this article, Dr. Sarah Jensen shares her thoughts on celebrating her son’s birthday without succumbing to the pressures of extravagant parties. Emphasizing the importance of love and simplicity, she reflects on her own childhood experiences and her desire for her son to enjoy meaningful moments with family and friends rather than opulent displays.