A few weeks later, my son was invited to a party for one of his friends. The custom invitation showered my kitchen with spring-loaded confetti. Every nook and cranny of their house was covered in balloons, streamers and personalized decor. And when the party was over, my son came home with a “party-favor” twice as nice as the present he gave. Party favor? I’m supposed to give all the other kids a present too? I was in awe.
I thought back to the party I threw. I felt guilty. Why hadn’t I given my son as much thought and creativity?
A few years and several failed attempts later, here’s what I have learned.
I learned that I am the best mom for my kids. I may not throw fancy birthday parties, but I throw killer lip-sync/dance parties every morning while I cook breakfast. We don’t have a leprechaun that uses our toilet and turns all our food green, but we eat a homecooked dinner around our table together every night. I may not have handcrafted a bunk bed out of vintage 2×4’s, but I snuggle with them every morning and listen to them whenever they want to talk, even if it’s way past their bedtime.
If you throw fancy birthday parties, you are an awesome parent. It’s one of the many ways you show your kids you love them. Why do you think your children were sent specifically to you? They need the talents and unique traits only you can offer them.
My kids don’t need fancy birthday parties.
My kids need lip-sync breakfast parties. They need family dinners at the table. They need morning snuggles and late-night talks.
My kids need me.
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One Response
I love your post! I too had to come to the same conclusion about parties! And my kids still love me too. It’s good to focus on the aspect that we are doing our best to love our kids, and that’s enough. Great job Becky!