Do "Over the top" birthday parties bother you?

roshke
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 10:36:00 +0000

Although I share the philosophy of most of you of not overindulging children to the extent that we could have in an area like mine,and of encouraging a work ethic, I have seen it work the other way, too. People who considered themselves deprived as kids or who were the children of frugal or poor parents vow to do things differently when it’s their turn. Sometimes that leads to driving ambition, but sometimes it leads to people like the woman in this story. She was quoted as saying it was the 15th bday party she never had as a child. So this can work both ways.

I think some of it has to do with the environment you’re raised in - it can be difficult for kids who feel they are not within the mainstream. Outcome can also hinge on family dynamic, personality of the kid, and whether he or she is more likely to emulate the parent’s example or rebel against it.