DD turns 4 in June and the time has come to plan her party. While most moms enjoy this kind of thing, I have been dreading it.
As she has proven on several occasions over the past year, DD does not do well at birthday parties. BounceU, MyGym, music participation, etc. - you name it - she doesn't like to participate. If it's a free-for-all she is fine. But the minute there is a group participation element, she resists, throws a tantrum, and sometimes even ruins the singing of happy birthday by throwing a screaming fit. It's enough to make me want to skip this birthday altogether.
Is there anyone else who is experiencing the same issues with their LOs? Any suggestions on a safe party idea for my "strong willed" child?
Re: Party Idea Help!
Honestly.. Who's the party for.. you or her? If she's not into a traditional type party... don't do one.
If she has a few playmates she likes.. just invite them over for a play date or go to the park. Don't make a big production over it. Maybe if you feel the urge to make it "special," then just do a nice little snack for the kids.
The bigger the fuss you make over it, the bigger the fuss she'll make. So don't.
Ughhh I can't stand having Happy Bday sung to me - so awkward! I like that PP skips it all together! I agree - do you need to have a bday party? is it something she's been asking for/expecting?
At her age you could just invite a couple of her besties over for a cute tea party or take her and another for a mani or mall-day or whatever she likes.
I wouldn't stress over a party - it's her day, do whatever will make it happy for all of you
It seems your DD really hates parties like many people do---have family over for dinner and get her a cake and no singing if it truly freaks her out.
When did Kids birthday parties become such a big deal? Just a question to prepare me for what's to come...is there an expectation that one must have parties once kid becomes social?
$1 movie theater? Little interaction but still celebrating.
If she likes to cook or decorate maybe you can have a cupcake decorating party at your place w/o the b-day song.
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO
She wants a party. She's been asking for one and talking about when it's going to be her day. It's more about the behavior than the party. Even dinner at my parents' house last night involved a major meltdown when it was time to sit down and eat. It's as though she just doesn't want to be told to do something.
Then is it a problem with discipline and following directions rather than a party problem? Do you make her sit down and eat dinner at home? If you want behavior in public, you have to work on that behavior at home.