My son just celebrated his sixth birthday. As a family, we had a memorable day outing in the city. It started with a thrilling fast train ride, we visited an entertainment park, made a stop at a bookstore, where my son had the pleasure of choosing two books as a special birthday present. To top it off, we had a delightful lunch filled with delicious pizza and ended the day with some scrumptious ice cream. It was an incredible day filled with joy and laughter.
Day after that, the birthday celebration continued with a lovely party surrounded by our close relatives. The combination of heartfelt gifts, the magical moment of making a wish, and the joyous flavors of the homemade cake made this birthday celebration truly unforgettable.
The teachers at kindergarten organized a lovely celebration for him as well. All the children from his group participated. They crowned him with a paper crown, sang a little song for him during the morning circle, drew pictures as a keepsake, and he got a creatively crafted maze as a gift from teachers. It seemed to be a pleasant experience celebrating with his peers.
However, it is customary for parents to organize another separate celebration for friends from kindergarten. Some choose to organize celebrations with children at their own homes, while others take advantage of various organized celebrations in shopping centers, sports centers, and other entertainment venues, where parents bring their children, leave them there for a few hours of shared celebration, and then come to pick them up.
While some parents opt for such gatherings, I'm not entirely convinced. Here is why...
Considering son's preference
First and foremost, I believe that considering my son's preferences is vital in making this decision. Every child is unique, and their desires and comfort levels should be taken into account. In my case, my son tends to be more introverted, finding solace in close relationships rather than larger groups. Based on his personality, it became apparent that a smaller gathering with family would likely be more enjoyable for him.
The significance of genuine friendships
Another factor that played a crucial role in our decision-making process was the depth of my son's friendships with his two best friends from kindergarten. These friendships are blossoming beautifully, and it warms my heart to see how these three little souls share their joys and adventures at school. Acknowledging the significance of these bonds, we felt it was essential to foster their connection by organizing a separate party solely for them. Creating opportunities for them to celebrate together outside the school environment seemed like a meaningful way to strengthen their friendships.
Considering our budget and time
While we deeply valued the idea of a separate kindergarten party, it was important to balance our desires with practical considerations. Hosting two separate birthday celebrations would mean additional efforts in planning and organizing. As a family, we had to assess our budget and the resources available to us. In the end, we decided that creating a warm and intimate family gathering would be the best choice, given our constraints and time commitments.
The beauty of family bonds
Our decision to prioritize an intimate family celebration stemmed from the immense love and warmth we share as a family. We have a close-knit circle of relatives who adore my son and have been an integral part of his life since day one. The joy of celebrating his birthday surrounded by loved ones who have witnessed his growth and journey was a sentiment we couldn't overlook. The bonds forged within the family are incredibly special, and honoring them during this milestone felt like the perfect choice for us.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between a separate kindergarten party or an intimate family gathering for my 6-year-old's birthday wasn't an easy decision. However, by considering our son's preferences, the strength of his friendships, our budget, and the beauty of family bonds, we ultimately opted for an intimate family celebration. It allowed us to create treasured memories and share heartfelt moments as a close-knit unit. Ultimately, the most important aspect is to ensure our son feels loved and celebrated on his special day, right?
I feel the family gathering was sufficient and there is no obligation to organize a separate party. My instincts tell me that this decision feels right for my family, at least for now. It's possible that next year, the situation may be different and we might reconsider our approach.
What are your thoughts on this matter? I'm curious to hear your perspective. Do you believe organizing a separate party with kindergarten peers is necessary, or do you lean towards a more intimate celebration with close family members? Your opinion on this subject is valuable, and I would love to know your thoughts. Please feel free to share your viewpoint in the comments on Instagram or Facebook.
Bojana
