What? What is that scraping noise?
It’s just me, pushing my soapbox over to center stage…
I came across this photoblog this morning. Go ahead. Take a minute to peruse that post.
Did you look? You really need to look so that you can appreciate what I’m about to talk about. You’ll not be disappointed. (Well- except for lack of pictures of cake).
First of all- the photos are beautiful. The decor? Stunning. But that’s not the point. The point is that this is for a child turning 4. FOUR YEARS OLD. Is there such a thing as too much anymore? Really? A coordinator, 3 actors, a professional photographer and on and on, for a birthday of a child who isn’t even in school yet. Really? Is that such a good idea? What about when she turns 16, or graduates from high school, or gets married, or heck, turns 5?
I get that whomever this is has money (obviously) and it’s their choice of how to spend it. But I think this is the kind of parenting that does a great disservice to the children. What is that saying? Oh yeah, “less is more”.
Sheesh, also? What in the world would you bring to a party like that for a gift? I guess my ‘less than $10 rule for friend parties’ would probably be inadequate.
What do you think? Is there such a thing as too much for our children? Is too much detrimental?
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I definitely agree that this party was too much for a birthday for such a young child.
My wedding reception wasn’t even that nice!
I think this party shows how the distance between the middle and upper class is getting larger.
I’m one of those people who are worried about the middle class. Even more so since I’m one of those people who does not make close to 100 K a year and who keep within their budget and to do so lives in a ghetto neighborhood.
I would love to give my kids everything, but I can’t fathom giving them a party like that, especially for such a young age.
Will she even remember that much of it?
It’s funny because we were talking about going to the Grand Canyon this Summer, or well the summer of 2008, and we were deciding whether spending nearly $200 total for our family for a 6 hour steam engine ride would be worth it. Jon’s kinda yeah, but will they remember it? But you can’t wait to do things with your kids until the reach an older age.
Anyways this is a long comment.
I think that post is a good example of excess.
I’m totally “less is more.” Though there are things that are worth that extra something, but this party is not in my book of worthy money spending habits.
I think excess sets unreasonably high expectation for our kids.
Yes, Yes and Yes!!! It’s a bit sickening.
(Did you see the numbers set out for that child! I just told my daughter that she had to limit her list to ten!) Glad it’s not me!
Ummm, yeah. A little much. I think you’ve said it all, so I won’t say anymore. Oh, did you notice how many little chairs they set up? We have a 4-6 kid invite rule for 4 year birthday parties. My word!! Anyway, sorry about the whole last name thing. It’s out now.
SO overkill.
I totally agree.
OMG! Like the first comment…. I can’t even afford my electric bill… and I’m concidered middle class. AAAAAHHHH. Crazy go nuts! A beautiful cake is all you need…. Right?
OMG for sure.
One guest for each year of age is the rule, and that maxes out at about 6….That party cost more than my wedding I am sure.
50 odd guests? Actors? Croquet? Chandeliers? How do you top that? What will she have to do next year? A luxury cruise around the Bahamas?
Yeah. That looks like it cost more than my wedding. I’m all about not setting a precedent. Start small so you can build up…make it a wee bit better every year. Next year the cake I make for Emma’s birthday? The icing will stay -on- the cake instead of sliding off. And I’ll be content. =P
I don’t think young kids should have such an extravagant party. Seriously, how can those parents keep trying to top themselves every year? And that poor kid is going to grow up thinking that she needs hugely fancy parties for everything. And it wasn’t even her real birthday! Usually an un-birthday is the half mark. So is she 4 and half? Too many kids already feel entitled to everything and terribly mistreat their parents when they don’t get their way.
Sorry to take up so much time on your soapbox…I’ll get off now.
I cannot believe that. It is so Ridiculous! I am amazed that someone would spend that kind of money on a 4 year old…even a 14, 16, or 18 year old! I hope your soap box is big enough for the 9 of us who have commented so far!
Hilarious in a sickening way. I think when you throw that kind of party setting a precedent for future parties is your main goal. What happens when the kid is married indeed! Can’t wait for those photos.
I say I’d never, but if I had all the money in the world to throw around, no telling what I would do just for kicks!
PS I had to take my blog private because my family vetoed my talking about them on the internet. email me if you want in, kellysblog@sbcglobal.net
That’s definitely way over the top! I haven’t done a friend party yet, I was planning on one in May for Kenzie’s 3rd birthday. But I just thought we’d go play games in the park, have cake, open presents and give out gift bags. Sounds fancy enough for me…but actors, gazillions of balloons, etc. That’s just insane!
Wow!