Day 6: The Party Circuit

By the time your child turns 2 -or before- there is this expectation that the grand birthday parties begin. It could be a tradition in your family, a long time dream you have had for your kids, it could be you are trying to keep up with the “Jones'”. Custom invitation, cakes, ponies, clowns – the list goes on.

As you make more “mommy friends” and your child makes more friends ,you get onto “the list”. I call it the birthday party circuit list. I have friends that are at a birthday party almost every weekend. Now I’m not an ogre and I love a party as much as the next person, but I do find the amount of “stuff” our children receive can be a bit over whelming for both the child and the parents.

If you have read any of my past posts, it was just our son’s birthday this past week. Instead of a party we asked him what adventure he would like to do his birthday (he was turning 3). He surprised us by decided to ride his “big boy bike” over Lions Gate Bridge.

It was pretty amazing and we had such a great time. We completed his birthday wish as a family and the memories he will have will last a life time.

How many of you remember your 3rd birthday party?

Today we have been invited to a birthday party of one of Nicolas’ friends. Starting today, I have made a commitment that I will purchase (with the parents permission) an “ethical gift” for my son’s friends – yes even at 3 years old. It is the perfect time to start teaching your children about giving back. They are so smart, soaking up and modeling everything we take the time to teach them. Why not start now?  We could change the world one birthday present at a time. It would actually be the fastest way to do it considering the industry is a billion dollar one.

Give 6 / Day 6

Todays’ GIVE is in honour of India for her birthday. Nic and I have bought India a “Literacy for Children” package from World Vision. They have a gift catalogue you can search online and choose by category or price for the appropriate gift. It would be a great project to do with your child to choose a gift together.

Here is quote taken from their site on the literacy gift we bought today. “Learning to read is the key to every child’s future. Yet many schools around the world have no libraries, and an entire class may have to share one book. Give the gift of knowledge to children by providing storybooks, textbooks, literacy assistance, and student support.”

I spent the same about on this gift as I would have on a toy.

Time Commitment: 5 minutes online to purchase gift (never had to leave my house or go to a mall!)

Cost: $30.00

Happy Birthday India!