School Birthday Parties........

Here's a suggestions that one of my friends did to recognize her son's birthday at school. (no food or treats were allowed to be brought in) She asked the librarian if she could purchase a book for the school library and make an inscription in honor of her son on the inside cover. Then she arranged for the teacher to read the book to the class during reading time. She picked a book that she knew her son would like from a list the librarian prepared for her (based on his interests). Then she purchased themed book marks (that supported the book) for each student in the class so they could share in the celebration. She also bought the same book for her son to keep at home. So everyone in the class knew it was his birthday and he got lots of recognition, and now the library has a new book to honor his birthday.

Our school does not allow birthday parties. Most of the teachers have a hat or some other way to recognize a child and make them feel special on their birthday. We are allowed to bring cupcakes at lunch, but that is about all.

When my son was in Kindergarten, they did allow a small party, but I made it an "educational party." He was really into Lego Rock Raiders at the time (many years ago) and so I had my father come up with his rock collection to show the kids and tell them about different kinds of rocks. I bought some small geodes online so that each kids could crack one open.

When my other son was in pre-school, they let me have a party for him. At the time he was crazy about fire trucks and firemen (age 3). I called the fire dept and they will send a fire truck to a school for free. The teachers did firemen related activities that day. The kids loved it and they even brought a few other classes out.

Since they have been older and the schools don't allow parties, I have brought popsicles to recess (my kid's birthdays are in April and May.) I cleared this with the teacher ahead of time. I hated to bring cupcakes to lunch, because the kids really didn't have time to eat them and it was what everybody else did. The popsicles were a real treat and so cheap that I could afford to bring them for the whole grade (four classes).

You really need to check with the school and his teacher before you plan anything to see what they allow.

Talk with your child's school about their classroom birthday parties. Then discuss it with the teacher. Most teacher's are more than happy to allow you to celebrate as long as you stay to help and clean up. If they only allow it at lunch just bring cupcakes, punch, hat for birthday child, and goodie bags for classmates. Or in class...same but some balloons may be allowed. I had one teacher that allowed me to bring a pinata for the kids to hit at recess. So get your ideas together and talk to the school. Hope it all works out.

i try to send "healthier" snacks, fruit with some dip or veggie sticks with some dip, they have water in the class so i don't bother with drinks, & send a little goodie bag for each (i put in a pencil & a little pad of paper & some stickers)