At What Age Do You Stop Doing Birthday Celebrations?

Never,stop having birthdays. Teach them the feeling of saving money so they can buy a present for the next person in the family, maybe they will have more respect for the gifts they receive if they know the feeling of also having to give.

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I say never stop celebrating. Celebrate life, love, family and friends, oh yeah, and birthdays, every chance you get. :)

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I think its ok to let them have birthday parties because they need to enjoy life to the fullest. But if they decide they rather go out and eat wiht their friends or just go to the movies let them do that because at least you know you let them do what they wanted on tehir birthday.

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Never;)
Have them save some of their money and
teach them manners! Have them WRITE out
Thank you notes!

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Hey N.,

Even if they just want money...that's just the age they are in.

My nephew just turned 15...my brother isn't a big planner and he doesn't have a lot of mmoney because he lost his job a while back. He hasn't had a BP for our nephew in close to three years.

Our nephew lives with his mom...and the only time we see him is at birthday parties! So I rounded up our family and we surprised him BIG_TIME with a BP. My family wanted to see our nephew!

Yes we gave money. I remember being that age. I loved getting money.

He wasn't expecting anything. To see his face was just all the thanks enough.

I think it's a good idea...it's up to you. If you feel you need to change it up a bit...they might appreciate the money the next BP. Who knows. I know my nephew did...;-)

Best wishes!

J.

Hi N., Never stop celebrating a birthday. You don't have to go all out on the party. A small family get together is great and shows your kids that birthdays are special. Always give a gift. It does not have to be big or expensive. It can be something home made and still be totally appreciated, It makes the child feel special on that day, it is "his" day, and I think that is important. My cousin never had birthday celebrations and is still bitter about it today.

I say definitely by the time they finish elementary school. A 13 year old doesn't need to have a party with a bunch of friends, balloons, activities, the works. After elementary school a simple birthday meal and cake or going out to a movie and a gift from their parents should be enough. Maybe even sooner. If your eleven year old is smart enough to look forward to a big party because more people=more gifts, then I say it is perfectly okay to tone it down at that point. From 13 on you could still allow them to have one or two of their closest friends over for dinner and a movie.

I see a couple of things going on here. You have boys and you're probably seeing an early manifestation of "machismo" going on here. And to complicate things, two of them are approaching and/or well into their "Tweens". I think you're dealing with classic pre-teen angst. They probably really do want to have a party with all of the hoopla young kids like, but they're probably worried about what their peers are thinking. Who knows maybe the kid "Travis" from down the street said "Parties are for babies" to your sons, and now they're torn because they may still enjoy the parties and/or they don't want to disappoint you, and don't know what to do now, so they're just asking for money etc.

I'd ask them specifically what they want to do for their birthday. ASk them what other kids their age are doing? Have they been to another "tween" party lately, that was fun? Have them help plan their special day. Of course set a budget and reasonable expectations on your part of what you'll find acceptible...but otherwise, let them take over and call the shots.

This will help take some of the pressure off everyone. The boys can decide who they want to invite and how the party should go based on what "they" think is cool and acceptible with their crowd.

I still had bday parties well into my teen years.
I got to have a hotel party when I was older which was great, my bday is in fall so no more pools were open.
Teach them the value of money, maybe you can do a keep, save and donate or tithe with your kids. I will be doing this at a young age with my dd.
Let us know what you decide to do.
A small get together I think is fine especially in these economic times, or you could say something that she needs, register for it somewhere so people could get gift cards instead... Not sure haven;t even had the 1 year bday party yet.

Growing up, we celebrated with cards and gifts with my extended family until the 18th birthday. After that, it just became an immediate family, dinner thing.

I plan to stop the birthday parties with friend or family when they hit 18 or out of highschool. I will still recognize their birthday and have a small immediate family dinner,cake, present but not a party.