The normal birthday party at home is pretty straight-forward: cake, ice cream, presents, relatives and friends. This is basically what took place for our son's 5th birthday, with a few minor adjustments.

I like to throw parties. We like themes, fancy tables, lots of kids, etc. For Noah, we don't do much of that. He doesn't like a lot of folks coming over, gets too stimulated by lots of noise and party favors, and generally would rather just eat cake, open one gift and call it good. Even so the mom in me couldn't call that good enough, so we meet half way.

We have only folks over who Noah is comfortable with. That would be therapists, close relatives and maybe one family that he is around a lot. The party has to be short, so make the presents easy to open and not many is just fine.

By the time everyone got here, Noah was outside, swinging. When I told him to come in and eat some cake, he said "No cake mommy! Me swing!" So I had to carry him in. He was fine with it, and we got through the cake quickly. He did seem to enjoy that part of it. Soon after we moved onto the presents, which he didn't want to do but we got through them quickly.

So all in all it went fine. He didn't have a meltdown but by the time the last gift was opened he was off to the play room with his new scooter in hand. He was done with the social thing and wanted to be alone. Since its his party, I wasn't going to force him to interact. Ya gotta get something of what you want on your birthday, right?!

For his next birhday we may just go to one of those indoor bouncy playgrounds. He loves those and he can be there and choose to interact or not. Plus then I think all the other kids would have a lot more fun, as his parties are pretty short and sweet.

Janelle

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!