I can't be the only one...

[herfrds]

Our kids get a birthday party.
Just this year my daughter got to have a bowling party.
The years before it was parties in the park and once in the bar because it rained and hailed so much we couldn't use the park. It was a few games and decorate your own cupcakes and they played on the equipment.

What I do not understand are the parents that compete with each other to have "the best" party. Sleepovers are a no go because there is no room in my house.

My son has a sleep over with his best friend. I took him to the larger town our aka city

and we went to a sporting goods store. He got some fishing tackle and a couple of new shirts. Then we went for ice cream.
next years plan is the hubby takes them in for dinner a movie and ice cream. Sort of a guys night out.

As for Christmas they mainly get things they need. Like a bow case for our son and a new toy box for our daughter. we try to not get them too much junk because there is no room for it.

 

[PineappleMama]

Well if THIS doesn't suit this topic I donno what does... you saw my earlier post about our small plans for our son's b-day...

Well MIL stopped by randomly tonight with Graduation Cards for both kids (6th Grade does actually have a big tadoo, off to Jr High thing but 1st grade doesn't)... anywho open card and there's cash in there...

And since DS's b-day is tomorrow, and she didn't want to wait until Sunday when we'd be going to their house, she also gave him his b-day card... again with cash in it.

ALL TOLD HE HAD 2 CARDS AND $180.00 CASH IN HIS HANDS.

Seriously... what... sure YOU look like a saint, but it leaves us feeling like crap because we were only planning to spend a small amount.

What really kills me is that DS was totally thrilled with just the $20 that was in the first card... she could easily have put another 1,5,10 or 20 in the b-day one and he'd have been dancing like a loon... but NOOOOoo had to go bananas and give a 12 year old nearly two HUNDRED dollars...

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Pineapple Mama, any chance u might be able to convince the nouveau riche 12 year old to share some of his good fortune with some folks less fortunate? Maybe some food for the food pantry or something? Even a fraction of $180 can buy an awful lot of mac and cheese and top ramen for the hungry.
Just a thought.
I so admire the way you are raising your family.
bright Blessings

 

[Amanda0609]

Quote:
I hate the fact that my MIL tries to buy my kids love. She is by far their favorite grandma, my mother has nothing to do with them, and yet she always buys them a ton of ridicilous stuff, it drives me insane. In the past I have asked her to buy things that the kids need for a bday or holiday and it is like pulling teeth. I give her some things they need because I cannot get her to stop spending money. I had to remind her at a least a dozen times before my youngest turned one that he really needed wipes, nothing else really. She showed up with the case of wipes and shirts and toys. Its like talking to a brick wall most of the time. I feel your pain Pineapple Mama, maybe you can have DS put most of that money in savings. That is a lot of money for a 12 yo.

 

[nop169]

I just had to laugh after reading the original post! Its nice to know that we aren't alone! DD is 11 yo now & constantly "wants". We are not materialistic & the things we do buy are well cared for & DD DOES understand this but she goes to a private school where parents buy their children the newest cell phones, IPODS, LAPTOPS and tons of name brand clothing all the time. We do not consume this way - we feel that we are blessed to have a nice home & land & the critters & our children & do not buy into the mindset of most americans that more is better. LESS IS BETTER & take care of what you have. Books, select dvds, perinials, trees - things that teach you, inspire you & last for several generations are what I buy.
That being said - don't think we do not buy her anything! If she maintains A's in school all year long - she gets a nice gift or moderate trip somewhere to reward her hard work. For example she got a Wii several years ago (AFTER the price came down) that she had wanted for over a year. This year a trip to Dollywood (one of her favorite places). Rather than just junk we try to take her someplace to show her the beauty in our country like Chimney Rock or Cumberland Island. Small trips that cost little during the summer & 1 big trip per year. For her birthdays while she was young - we had parties that were geared toward helping our community - like a "shelter party" where people brought dog/cat food for our local shelter & the kids got to give their "gifts" to the shelter pets. Once it was a "canned party" for our local Daily Bread soup kitchen. That worked until she was around 8! We were trying to stretch her heart & mind & break the "all about me" mindset. Now she gets a party where we grill out & either goes skating or to the lake or to the movies with one or two friends - but these are "no gift parties" other than the pleasure of the company. I think it is the mindset of most americans & what the kids watch on tv that causes the "want" attitude.

 

[herfrds]

I know what you are feeling. i'm not on the best of terms with my folks and they try to buy my kids love too. They have found out that they cannot fool my 13 yo DS. He wants nothing to do with them. Now DD is another story. She wants grandparents like my DH's parents were but i know she won't get that from mine.

DH's parents gave my kids the thing possible, their time.
Unfortunately both passed away when DD was too young to really appreciate it.