An alternative to classroom birthday party treats and trinkets

 
My daughter's birthday always falls over Thanksgiving break, and somehow we've never remembered to 'schedule' a classroom birthday celebration. THIS year, however, the girl wanted a little recognition. Who can blame her? Like last year's very successful experiment, she's once again opted to forgo a home or destination birthday party with friends and chosen an 'adventure day' with her family (we're going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium). So she wanted to make sure her friends were at least aware that she was turning eight. (Eight!?! Yowsa.)

I always know when there's a birthday party at school because my kids walk off the bus munching a cookie or cupcake or waving a small plastic toy in the air. This is the norm, and I can understand why parents continually choose to follow the norm. It's easier than coming up with an alternative, and perhaps they don't want their child to be perceived as different. I, on the other hand, love to rock the boat! And I think that a commercial-made (as required by the school district) sugary snack after six hours of school is never a good idea. I've seen how it can turn a tired kiddo into a Tasmanian Devil. Ew.

So after a short discussion my daughter and I decided that a fun alternative to sugar and toys would be to play a classroom game. The teacher thought it was a fantastic idea, so she led the class in the classic Heads-Up 7-Up during the last 15 minutes of school one day. The kids loved the game. My daughter got a birthday crown and everyone sang to her, and she was very happy. Recognized. The end.

In the grand scheme of things, it's a small gesture. But I feel like these little moments provide opportunities to talk to my kids about what we value, and what's really important in the grand scheme of things. I see them -- these happy, vibrant children of mine -- 'getting it' and standing up for their (our) choices. After the games were over a girl asked my daughter what I'd brought for the class. "We're just playing games today." "But what did you bring?" "We brought fun! Didn't you have fun?" Yes, yes she did.