Happy Trails to You - and Birthday Parties Too!
by Jodie Lynn

Well, here we are, right in the middle of summer - or as I like to call it: "I'm-the-Mom-and-I-get-to-be-stressed-out-days!" Not only are the kids bored to tears and beginning to bug me everyday for something new to do (as if the swim, dance, karate and art classes aren't enough) -- but two children in my family will be celebrating birthdays right in the middle of all the craziness! (Aren't we the lucky ones?)

As I talk with other parents, it's nice to know - I'm not alone. Many of us are in the same boat -- and are paddling towards the "wrap-the-presents-and-bake-the-cake" shore in between "take me to the movies" and "mom, she hit me!" screams.

Actually - wrapping presents and making arrangements for a cake -- is the simple part. Over the years - I've come up with a few workable solutions for birthday stress -- and mess -- to help keep sanity intact!

Here are a few:

1. Decide as much as two months in advance for the location of the party. During the madness of trying to keep kids from breaking a leg, arm or a favorite vase, by running throw the house, there seems to be tons of kids who have summer birthday parties -- many "birthday" facilities will already be booked.

2. Send in your deposit early. To discourage the company from overbooking (which has happened to the best of us) -- call and ask one question every two weeks. It could be about the price of each guest, party favors, drinks, decorations, etc. This will help them to remember who you are -- and know your on your toes.

3. If the birthday boy/girl can write -- let them help with the invitations. Begin this two weeks early to get a head start. Use a pencil to erase mistakes without frustration -- and proceed slowly. Address invitations in sets of three - this will ensure that no famous last words will be heard: "Mom - my fingers are getting cramped! I can't finish!" Or, "Oops, gotta run, my favorite afternoon cartoon show is on the TV."

4. Always send out invitations two weeks before the birthday party. It's perfectly fine to use address labels in the return corner of the envelope. Let the kids help with the stamps.

5. Call guests within one week to see who can come. Nope - I'm not kidding. In today's busy society - if you don't call -- many parents won't. For those who can't come - send out an invitation to someone new that very same day. This will still be within the normal range of courtesy - and you can fill those holes you've probably already paid for at the birthday spot. If you haven't heard from the new guests within three days -- give them a call.

6. Don't buy presents too early. Have your child make up a birthday wish list. It doesn't matter if their age is two or 18 - try to thoroughly explain the part regarding "wish." In fact, have them number the gifts in preface of least to "I want this the most" categories.

7. To avoid confusion on everyone's part -- have them update the list every three weeks. I'm here to tell you -- just as you are set to buy a certain doll, stuffed animal, book, toy or new bedroom furniture -- it's changed! (This is currently due to the wonderful world of sale ads in print -- which land on your doorstep unannounced -- and full blown animation advertisements on the TV.)

8. Depending on the age of your child - you might give them an option to choose flavors of cakes, wrapping paper colors, themes, party favors, etc. Just keep this in mind - always preface your statements with: "I'm not promising I'll be able to get the Superman theme, etc., - but I'll try my best." This will make sure they don't think you have said the word "promised" as it is set in stone. By being a little more careful with your choice of words and a few short explanations -- it will save a lot of loud ear piercing whining....and the kids might not get as upset.

9. Take your own trash bags to the birthday party. This will allow you to have adequate bags to come back home with the things you want to be kept clean and separated: gifts, pieces to gifts, money, cards, etc.

10. If they force you to choose one of their cakes -- go for the cupcakes. They make less of a mess -- and the size is usually just right for almost all ages. Bring extra napkins to wrap around the cup cakes for added sanitation -- and to help with messy hands (even wet baby-wipes can quickly clean a sticky hand).

Now that I've shared my two cents -- the rest is a piece of cake...er -- matter of planning. Oh look -- my paddle broke -- how will I ever make it to "wrap-the-presents-and-bake-the-cake" shore?

Oh - no big deal - I'll just call my darling husband for help. Well........maybe on second thought - I'd better call "Pete's Unmistakably Water-resistant Wood Glue Shop." (That's what my husband would do anyway.)

Happy Trails to you -- and Birthday Parties too!

©2006 Jodie Lynn