Peachy Tip: Birthday Party Toddler Smarts

A few weeks ago, it was Toddler J's 2nd year old birthday. We were especially excited for this birthday because TJ actually showed signs that he KNEW it was his birthday. He had been to a friend's birthday party a month earlier and saw a glimpse of what it means to have a birthday.

As he saw his toddler friend, Ava, blow out candles and open the birthday present we got her, Josh turned to us afterwards and said, "My turn! My birthday!" My hubby and I smiled a knowing smile to each other and later, out of earshot, we remarked, "Hey, TJ actually wants a birthday party! "

So, off we went (me, actually), planning TJ's 2nd birthday party. We didn't want to do something big this year. Just small, with his weekday playgroup. And we wanted to do it during the day, so that kids wouldn't burn out.

The interesting question about the party, though, came from a mom of an invited guest. She was concerned whether we would be opening birthday gifts at the party. She was concerned because maybe other toddlers wouldn't understand the concept that only the birthday boy gets the gifts. And that maybe the other toddlers would feel left out or even get upset that they don't get any gifts.

This scenario didn't even occur to us. We wanted TJ to enjoy the thrill of opening his birthday presents (all part of our early childhood memories), but we soon realized maybe opening them in front of little toddlers, who don't understand the concept of birthdays, might be cause for some meltdowns and stressed out parents. So, we decided to wait until TJ was older to do the opening presents thing.

It actually worked out really well because we were able to open the gifts at home and really enjoyed reading the birthday cards with TJ before opening the gifts. And we could talk about who gave him the gifts, and really appreciate each gift.

If it was at done at the party, it might have been more focused on opening the gifts, rather than who it was from.

In the end, this arrangement worked well. Because appreciating the giver of the gift, as well as each individual gift, turned out to be a peachy present in itself.