Birthdays for children

I don't want to sound like a hater (as I have been accused) but I'm worried about the outfall of Pinterest. One area that concerns me is that of Children's birthday parties. The parties seem to have taken on a level of sophistication that I would equate with a wedding.

There are color themes and amazing cakes. Minuscule details that a child would never notice before the age of 14 and often times there are professional photographers.

My concern is the purpose and intention behind the parties. Anyone that has spent time with a one year old knows they are just as entertained by a paper bag as an actual toy from Toys-R-Us (if not more). If the party is for their benefit and to recognize their future and growth, why not throw a paper bag themed party, or a set of keys part. Or a long hair party? You could sanitize a bunch of keys and throw them on the ground and a toddler would be more entertained than seeing he had themed cupcakes, a color scheme and a matchy banner he couldn't read.

My concern is that we are throwing parties to impress other people. My concern is that we care more about wasting time, just to hear the words "This is sooooooo cute" then we do about .....anything else. I'll say this, and remember I'm a hater, If I was a mother (which I'm not) and a lot of my time was taken up caring and tending children I would not spend any extra time on a party to try and impress people when I could spend it on bettering myself or giving myself a break. If you want to have a party and see friends and family...just throw a party and invite everyone over. Play scrabble, eat pizza and catch up.

I may be losing my train of thought....but my other concern is "topping" or "one-upsmanship" or maintaining this high level of performance. If your one-year-old just had a thousand dollars spent on his first birthday party....what is your plan for the future. My feeling is that a thousand dollars is too much for a party, so even if you were going to maintain that amount...uh..too much. Or will you feel the need keep improving these parties until we see something akin to that "Sweet 16" show on cable that shows the spoiled rantings of children whose parents forgot to get a sunroof in their new Mercedes so they freak out and collapse in convulsions at their own party. Have you guys seen this show? If not I warn you that this is what can happen.

You are still a good parent if a birthday party consists of just cake and the neighbor kids. Folks are coming over, not because they want to say "This is so cute" 20 different times, they are coming over to visit family and catch up, and get spit-up on by a 1 year old. They are coming over because they want to support you as new parents and offer old advice that was passed on from their parents. They come over because they love you....not Thomas the Tank engine. No one loves Elmo..I don't care what you say.

You are a competent parent if you decide to read that book you've wanted to instead of frosting 2 dozen cupcakes to look like cute owls. I venture to say that you are a better parent if you read that book and stop by Safeway to buy those cupcakes.

I don't know if I need to bring up the Gospel in this post but I see an alarming trend all over the place currently when it comes to perfectionism and "cuteness" and I think it is evidence that we are beginning to love the things of the world more that the things of God. Maybe I'm going overboard..but I've noticed it and I want to put out a warning. Family matters........please be doing the things in your life that keep them close and let them know they are important.