One of my grad school profs, Bill Doherty, is featured on today's U of M Moment talking about the phenomenon of child birthday party one-upsparentship:
Children’s birthday parties are careening out of control in America, leading to higher costs, pressured parents and overindulged kids. William Doherty, a U of M professor of family and social science, says many parents are raising children who feel entitled to bigger and better parties each year, with more stuff to fill their lives.
I've written about this before, and it is ever so relevant as my children's birthday is a few short weeks away. We've been on the "less is more" birthday party bandwagon for a couple of years now. However, things are a little complicated this year because (a) my children are now in their third school/child care environment, and (b) they are, for the first time, in separate classrooms. Both situations have greatly expanded their potential guest list to an unmanageable size. I have staunchly avoided "girl-only" parties in the past, as both daughters have always gotten along and are very popular with boys as well as girls. But that is certainly one place where a cut could be made. Well, we'll see.
Beyond guest list issues, we are determined to keep to our tradition of low-key (and low stress) celebration. What about you: If you are parenting or have parented, how do/did you handle your children's birthday parties?
*Another story here; Also see this website.