I arrived in Arizona yesterday, which was Tehilla's 6th birthday. Risa and I put together an old fashioned birthday party for Tehilla and her friends after day camp. About 20 girls arrived at Risa's house ready for fun. We opened with a craft project---decorating masks with paint, feathers, and pom-poms. We played a few group games, like London Bridge, Bluebird, and Indian Chief. After cake and ice cream, we sent the girls on a Treasure Hunt, looking for various clues which eventually led them to a stash of Goodie Bags. The girls had an absolute blast. At the end of the 1 1/2 hour party, one girl asked her mom if Tehilla could have another birthday so that she could come to her party again!
I used to dread making birthday parties, because I felt pressured that everyone needed to have a GOOD TIME and they needed to have it RIGHT NOW! But today, maybe being a grandmother makes me more relaxed. I can see that these young girls were eager to play together and participate. The activities we offered appealed to their current developmental levels and interests. They were able to create, use their minds, use their bodies, and enjoy each other's company and personalities in active and non-competitive play. The group games were special fun because I joined in. Kids love to play with adults!
Times have certainly changed since I was 6 years old in 1958. But it's wonderful to see that the inner nature of children remains constant, and we don't need to jump through hoops or entertain them with electronics for them to have a very happy birthday party.
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ReplyDeleteLove this and I totally agree! For Aliza's 7th birthday, I "jumped through hoops" to make a themed party and all she wanted was to play the typical Pass the Present game that she had played at a friend's party. Wish I would have read this beforehand! Can't wait to read more of your wisdom.
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