Is Throwing Your Child's Birthday Party Stressing You Out? You're Not Alone.

By SheSpeaksTeam Aug 16, 2013

You may think you’re saving money and stress by throwing a nice little birthday party for your young child at home, but a new study reveals how our DIY ways are actually making things more difficult. In recent years many of us have strayed away from buying those kids birthday package deals at their favorite local spots that include everything from the cake to the goodie bag. But now that we are inviting gaggles of their friends into our homes, we are trying to out-craft each other at every turn, trying to come up with the most unique home party.

Today reports about a study that suggests the DIY kids birthday trend often has parents spending more time and stress than they would on an “outsourced” birthday soiree. The new study, published in the Journal of Consumer Culture, finds that many parents are taking the homemade parties to the next level fretting over everything from the cake to the centerpieces.

Blogger and mom, Amy Christie, has noticed the shift in DIY birthday parties and the stress it can put on parents, especially moms who aren’t all that crafty to begin with. Christie explains, “There are so many of these perfect birthdays on Pinterest. Nothing is store bought and everything is homemade and they have a desire to appear crafty too. But you have to be aware of who you are. And honestly, that might not be a mother who loves making paper crowns.”

It’s also important to remember not to measure your love or ability to be a good mom by how unique of a party you can throw for your little one. Party planner Kenna O’Brien explains, “I know awesome parents who throw a candle on a cupcake and are done with it. It’s really too bad birthdays are becoming a measure of parenting. I mean if you want to do something fantastic, you should. If not, of course, you’re still a great mother.”

Does throwing a DIY birthday party for your child make you go craft-crazy?

What type of birthday party do you typically throw for your little ones?

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Comments

by Sculthorpe | MONTPELIER, VA

Sep 10, 2013

I am the mother of two, 6 and 3 years old. So far, the 3 year old has had only family and 'close friend' birthday parties celebrated at our home. I tend to stress about getting the house and yard organized and clean for people to come over. Also, I always feel the need to explore Pinterest for ideas in regards to party foods, decorations, party favors, etc. Talk about stressful!!! My 6 year old on the other hand has had her last two birthday parties outside of the home (the latest one being a pool party). These have been great and considerably less stressful!!! An added bonus is that there is no cleanup afterward!!! Although it seems like I'm spending more money on the destination parties, probably b/c you pay all in one lump sum, I'm pretty sure it comes in at about even with the at home parties we've had.

by Go2Mommy | CICERO, IL

Aug 31, 2013

I totally agree, although I've always been somewhat creative, thanks to my mother of course. My daughter had a 50% DIY party last year, half store bought decorations and the other half (cupcakes, goodie bags, invitations, tutu and jacket) were all made by my mom, myself or my cousin.. I'm now working to plan bday party #2 and I'm sticking with the DIY trend. Maybe not 100%, but definitely looking to make the invites, goodie bags and a little more of the decor myself this go round. We may not do a tutu again, but then again we might.

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