The birthday parties surrounding my girls these days vary as much as their friends. Living in S. Florida we have plenty of simple pool parties alongside the latest ‘spa’ parties for girls and some fun ones that are gender neutral like roller skating, bowling and a recent ‘basketball’ party was lots of fun. In November we attended a more traditional Latino kids party http://latinaish.comat a park, with a major piñata, live music, a party coordinator doing dance and games with the kids with plenty of food and ‘torta’ to be had for all.
Lets dance!
Fast forward to February- my twins’ birthday month- and I’m VERY surprised that my girls are asking for a similar traditional Latino ‘park’ party with their friends and family. They were given the choice of a fun, themed party like bowling, but the park option is numero uno! They have requested that it be a ‘dance party’- where someone will lead them in line dances with fun and hip music and even a limbo, salsa and hula hoop contest! Since my girls are twins and we only host one kids’ birthday party per year- my husband and I are inclined to indulge them this time. In fairness, we have skipped hosting major birthday parties for the last 2 years. Mijita, mucho dinero– it’s a big expense! For as much as you spend on these parties, you can go for a weekend trip somewhere! Living in Florida, we often opt for an Orlandotrip that easily can be enjoyed over a weekend.
Shake it!
On the one hand, I realize that I will not have too many more opportunities to host this type of party for them. Much less with a piñata! They will consider it ‘babyish’ or ‘uncool’ soon enough. My Latina cultural inclination tells me to spoil them and keep them little and innocent for as long as I can!
Many Latinos still enjoy a big family party filled with candy!
So what do you think? Aside from the financial obligation- should we indulge our kids and celebrate such moments with them? Or should we teach them to ‘keep it simple’ and not need so much hoopla? I’m torn!
I welcome your ideas and insights.
Fun games keeps ’em engaged!
Saludos! Cristy
As a mother of twin tweens in 2011 and an active Girl Scout Troop leader, Cristy realized there was a need to develop bilingual digital content and foster a community facing the challenges of raising kids after first grade. That year she founded and remains co-Publisher of Los Tweens & Teens, to support multicultural parents and mentors with content related to raising Gen Z- tweens & teens ages 7-18. Through the Los Tweens & Teens LIVE events such as Teens & Me – the growing team aims to provide our community with essential resources from chats with therapists to battle anxiety and bullying, to understanding social media and technology.