Tips for celebrating a children's birthday party (normal and simple)

BarcelonaUnique decor, activities designed to entertain the children, varied food, and, as a grand finale, a gift for guests to take home a souvenir of the day. A magazine-worthy (or, better said, Instagrammable) party—and surely also at a significant financial cost. But who's really the star of the celebration? The parents (to show off) or the child who's turning another year older? Imma Marín, president of the Institut del Joc, brings us closer, with her advice, to a genuine birthday party: without too many complications and where the child participates—according to the family's criteria and values—in the decision-making. "Their involvement is essential. Not only in deciding, but also in taking responsibility and doing things," she emphasizes. "The simpler and more straightforward the party, the more we make it accessible to the child. On the other hand, if we distance it from what the child can decide and participate in, it will be a party meant to look good—and everything will be adorable—but it will be harder for them to feel it's theirs."

Where is the best place?

Obviously, a "significant" location for the child, such as a home, is where children like to "show off" their toys and "show off" their home. In a park, they come out dirty, radiant, and happy. In a more enclosed space, such as a ball pit, they come out red-faced, excited, and nervous. Poorly ventilated spaces with high noise levels tend to generate more stress. "I don't know what to choose," the expert emphasizes.

What should the game be like?

Bringing balls, balloons, costumes... is a good idea when they're young. Give them resources to invent their own game. Now, the more free play, the better, and the more "light" it is for everyone. If they get used to someone else organizing their leisure time, it will be more difficult for them to manage it as they grow older. "If you get involved, you become co-responsible. If everything is given to you, you'll think that participating isn't that important." To give meaning to the celebration, changing numbers can be represented with a ritual. The Montessori style is an example of this: we place a candle in the middle and around the months and seasons. The child must turn the candle according to their age, and there can be photographs from each year. "Changing numbers is magical and important. This will create a bond with the celebration. What children want is presence." From age 8 on, they may prefer to watch a movie or do other things.

Is a gift necessary?

There are many options. From people agreeing to contribute a small amount and make a joint gift, to a drawing, to giving nothing at all. One alternative—plausible, according to Marín—is for the child attending the party to think about what they want to give and what the main character of the celebration might like. A good way to do this is to take an unused object from home (a puzzle, a toy, etc.) and learn to part with it and offer it to them. "This has value because it's a personal item, more than going to the market and buying the first thing I find," says Marín. The moment of distributing the gifts, moreover, must be mindful of this. "We can stand in a circle, take them out of a box..." And will the family have to give gifts to the guests? The answer is clear: "If the child would like to do some small thing, like a craft, and finances allow it and it's in line with the family values, go ahead." The same goes for invitations: "Let the child participate."

What do we eat?

Birthday parties are usually associated with sweets and sugar. On the other hand, it's possible to have parties that are "fun and healthy at the same time." It's also important to keep in mind that it's not just a meal, and guests aren't going to overeat, just play. What's essential, of course, is the cake and the candle. But we can also make this cake at home. "Our son can stir the batter, add some decorations," she points out. For food, there can be bread with tomato, and it doesn't even need to be prepared. And, along with it, fruit and nuts. "That is, foods that the child usually eats," obviously, with some "extra special food," which is why, according to Marín, "it's his birthday!"