How to Give Your Child a Special Birthday

Birthdays are a day of celebration, but it doesn't have to be expensive parties. There's lots of ways to make it a special birthday day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Let go of your need for control.

1. 
    

   One to two days before your child's birthday, take them to the grocery store and let them pick out whatever they want, within reason, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guide them to breakfast food, lunch, and dinner foods. You'll be surprised. They may not pick oatmeal, but they will pick a breakfast food. The same for lunch and dinner. My sons loved to pick something special. It might be pancakes for breakfast or a microwaved hamburger for lunch. The important thing is that it's their day and they can have whatever they want.

2. 
    

   Ask them if they would like to have one friend over for the day instead of a big party. Children will surprise you. They love their friends and the thought of having a day to play is exciting.

3. 
    

   Make the birthday special with dress up day! What would your child like to be? They can dress up in their best clothes or perhaps make a costume outfit for the day.

4. 
    

   Pick one special activity for the day. Perhaps it's a movie, or if it's summer, a day swimming. Let your child choose. Depending on the child, you may want to make a small list for them to choose from!

5. 
    

   Balloons and more balloons! Start the day with balloons in their bedroom, throughout the house, and outside. Let the world know it's their special day. Let them help put up the balloons.

6. 
    

   Sometimes we think we have to spend lots of money on children's birthdays when, in fact, children love to do simple things. They just want to feel important. Giving them choices can make a birthday special.

Tips & Warnings

• Some children have wild imaginations, so perhaps, choices need to be limited. Give them 2 or 3 choices for food, friends, activities, and dress up.

Resources

• More Articles By Hapworth

[mattlee]

on 7/11/2008 cute

[sexychef]

on 7/9/2008 These are great ideas. 5*

[purrfect1969]

on 7/8/2008 Great ideas.

[amylaine]

on 7/7/2008 Wonderful article, my son turned four this weekend and it just was not a good time to have a party so we post pone the party for next weekend. Instead we spent the day together doing pretty much just what you described above, he had a fabulous time. I am sure he would of not had more of a birthday if he had is big party on his b-day. Next year we just might do this and have small parties only on milestones. 5 stars

[3-Point]

on 7/7/2008 Very timely advice. My granddaughter is just turning 2 and we're having an intimate birthday party; so I can surely use these tips!