Life Lessons

Are you frazzled by planning your child's birthday party? Do you feel it has to be bigger and better than other parties? Do you wind up with lot sof stuff your children don't want and will never use? Stuff you'll just have to get rid of down the line?

The New York Times today has article about birthday parties for children without presents. Either money is collected to be given to a charity (usually a local one or in one case the local fire department) or presents are collected that are given to a local children's charity or hospital.

The parents purpose is twofold. One, to have the children understand about the importance of charity and community service and the other is to avoid the heap of presents that are completely unnecessary and in excess that kids get in our consumerist society. Some of the other parents (along with Miss Manners) have criticized this approach but some of the parents who are doing this say their children really enjoy and appreciate this approach because they have been hailed as heroes when they donate the money or the items. They are learning real life lessons about doing good for the community and the importance of volunteer work.

There is an interesting website www.birthdayswithoutpresents.org, which is just what it says, and can be a support for people who want to do this. Another interesting site is www.childrenforchildren.org. Their work is directed to involving children in community activities.