Joyful Birthday Celebrations that Honor Your Child

Remember the moment you saw your child for the first time? However your child came to you – through days of hard labor, through a beautiful birth that happened just as you planned, by means of an adoption – that first connection was a moment of Truth. You saw something shining in your child’s eyes that you can still see. That person, that pure spirit, is who your child is and always will be. A birthday celebration is a wonderful time to remember and celebrate the moment your child entered into this lifetime – it’s a wonderful time to recognize his or her unique spirit. A birthday celebration celebrates a profound event, and this is why I love to create and host birthday celebrations that are engaging and fun without being “busy” – focused on flashy entertainment and lots of new things.

Here’s what happens at a birthday celebration I host:

–Old-fashioned, interactive party games. Children of all ages enjoy simple-yet-engaging games like Duck-Duck-Goose, Freeze Tag, or Pin The Tail on the Donkey. I can also design games that connect directly to your child’s party theme (for example, we might go on an insect hunt if your child chooses an insect theme).

–Waldorf-style story time or puppet show. Story plays a key role in Waldorf education, and as a long-time Waldorf teacher I have a “story repertoire” that includes a wide range of classic folk tales, fairy tales, legends, and myths. I can also create a custom story about your child’s birth and life based on information you share with me.

–Free play (closely supervised!). Your child’s birthday celebration also includes time for everyone to play together. Free play is one of the main tools children use to develop their problem-solving and social skills, and I observe your children’s play closely so that I can facilitate this learning when necessary. I am very attentive to children’s social interactions and if needed I’m able to assist children in communicating with each other in ways that are respectful, kind, and productive.

–Party hosting from start to finish. Although I ask you to provide food, drinks, and cake or other treats, parents are otherwise free to participate in their child’s party in any way they choose. Whether you want to participate in every activity or appreciate the sounds of play from a distance, you’re free simply to relax and enjoy the day while I run the party!

Need help coming up with a theme for your child’s celebration? For party theme ideas, read this.