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What exactly is this phenomenon dubbed “party creep?” Essentially, it is having the intention of throwing a simple party, but adding X, Y, & Z to enhance it. What was going to be one simple party activity turns into 10 party activities including games, activities, and candles with prizes to boot. It could also mean starting off with a guest list of five kids, but then feeling the need to invite the kids in the neighborhood too and all of the kids’ siblings. Planning a party for 5 kids and ending up with 20 is quite a different party.
In this day of throwing wonderful parties for your kids, it is easy to feel the “party creep” and have your kids’ party turn into a more extravagant party in terms of numbers, time, and budget. Before you even know it, what you originally started to plan for you cannot even recognize.
If you are feeling the “party creep” here are some suggestions to avoid it:
- Sit down and carefully think through what resources you have available for your kids’ upcoming birthday celebration. Once you have the amount of time and money you have available for the celebration, commit to sticking with it.
- If your kid is old enough, ask her what she would like for her birthday. Often kids want something very simple, perhaps one activity with a few friends or a party with a couple of friends. The important part is to listen to your kids and, if what they want is within the resources you have, then stick to doing that one particular request. Resist the urge to embellish on that idea.
- If your kid has “party creep” syndrome, recognize it and set limits. Pick one idea and focus your kid’s mind on it and build that up rather than feeling compelled to “do it all.”
It may not seem a big deal when the party creep comes on, but often it can lead to feeling stressed and broke by the time the party is over! Avoid it when you feel it coming on … I’d love to hear how you feel about “party creep” and what you do when it rears its head?
