Family Ramblings...

Written by Charlotte Blake

Every year that goes by, I try to convince myself a child's birthday party is an essential part of childhood. Each year I forget about the blood, sweat and tears that goes in to organising simply putting a smile on my offspring's and his school chums faces. Blissfully ignoring but also completely more than aware of what is about to unfold, again! Not to mention the days first challenge - organising and arranging perfectly the bountiful gifts and paraphernalia that comes along with dressing the morning birthday table. The day is either made or broken by this declaration of love. Get it wrong and it could spell tears and tantrums. Maximum impact has to be achieved for those all important instafeeds for later life reminiscing. Why do we put ourselves through this? But we do, so let's move on to the days events. "Can we get a bouncy castle this year or a bucking bronco? Pleeeaaasee!!!" said Henry expectantly. "Listen darling, what's the theme? Give me a topic and we can work from there?" I say. This year he has chosen his 6th party to be a Star Wars affair with pin the tail on BB8, Darth Vadar pinata and the themed accompanied gift bags and tableware... In my day that would have seen me through to the next birthday celebration, but oh no, there needs to be a show stopper these days! However I'm pretty sure you can't get a bucking wookie or a bouncy starship enterprise! "How about a secret mission/challenge to save the galaxy with games thrown in along the way, prizes too?!" I say hoping this will impress... "Yeah OK, but can I win all the prizes. It is my birthday...?" he said flippantly. "Er No... I'm not sure that is quite in the spirit of the day Henry." I say, fingers crossed that has given him something to think about. Leaving our soon to be 6 year old to think about our conversation, I set about making space treasure hunts, clues, decorations, prizes, games - you name it - I made it. It all looked so great, if I do say so myself. The day arrived and we were ready for our party guests, who were really just excited to be in apres school territory. I looked at our little guests eagerly awaiting what was in store and yes unashamedly I did make a point of showing the children all that had been created and I felt a lack of appreciation but it wasn't about my artistry, so we went on to explain the games that lay ahead. A few moments later we had some dazed and confused faces who must have thought: 'What was this military coo of games and organised chaos?' We pressed on regardless and am pleased to report all went well with most party members covertly receiving a treat or prize of some kind with Henry proudly presenting each one with great enthusiasm. The change of behaviour towards the gift giving was a surprise, so I whispered "See, it's nice to receive gifts but even nicer to give them..." "Yes, I'm going to be so popular!" I did not have the energy or heart to burst his bubble, we all have to learn somewhere. That life lesson can wait for a few more years. After a surprisingly successful but exhausting few hours of full on fun, we still had half an hour before parents came to pick up their brood, so we set about the clearing and throwing away and I managed to catch a glimpse of the boys happily running around the garden, free from rules and regulation. The thought crossed my mind 'I wonder if I should have just let them dictate the time spent together next year?' Maybe something to consider or am I just looking for a reason to take a year off? I've got a year to decide...

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