I’m preparing to attend another birthday party for one of my daughter’s friends. We have attended several parties this year. And when I say this year, I mean since school started.
In our experience, more parents are throwing parties celebrating 10th birthdays than other birthday years. My daughter even persuaded me to give her a party at a movie theatre last November.
We have been having a good time and nurturing relationships. The party we are getting ready for is another sleepover, so she is getting out her sleeping bag, flashlight and deciding what pajamas to pick.
I asked my daughter what did she think about getting her friend a pair of earrings and a bracelet made with buttons. Really cute. She liked the idea. Gifts are always a challenge for me and I like to get each girl something original.
This has been a really good experience for me as well as my daughter. She has been getting out socially and having a good time with her friends. She enjoys seeing them outside of school. She attends a magnet school so many of her school peers live all over the city.
Meeting her friends allows me to know who my daughter is interacting with on a daily basis and put a face with a name. Meeting the parents gives me an idea of their background. So far, it has all been very positive.
I realize she is not a baby anymore and she wants to hang out with friends. However, she is not old enough to be out unsupervised. These parties have been a good way for me to decide which relationships I would encourage and which I feel may not be in her best interest. Again, all interactions have been positive. I have been able to help her foster these relationships and extend them further.
After this party in a couple of weeks, she has another friend with a birthday in March. I’m sure we will go to that as well. These parties have been a good introduction to building lasting friendships. I’m glad they are happening and with such good people.
