Do babies need big birthday parties?

How do your family celebrate baby/toddler birthdays? 

River turned 3 a couple of weeks ago, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy her small and inexpensive birthday celebration with her family, but it did get me thinking about how much some people spend on such occasions.

The idea that toddlers require expensive gifts and lavish birthday parties to be happy is a misconception. By understanding the core needs of three-year-olds, prioritizing emotional well-being, and encouraging imaginative play, it becomes clear that genuine toddler happiness is not dependent on materialism or extravagance. Research consistently shows that toddlers derive greater happiness from experiences and social interactions, and that material possessions do not provide lasting contentment.

So why do so many of us still feel the need to throw huge parties for our babies, and who is it really for?

The extravagant nature of expensive toddler parties is fueled by a combination of factors. Parents' desire to create memorable experiences for their children, the need for social validation, the influence of marketing and consumer culture, and external pressures from extended family and peers all contribute to the significant financial investments made in these celebrations. While the primary intention may be to celebrate the child, these parties also often cater to the parents' emotional needs, social aspirations, and cultural expectations.

Maybe on this occasion it is beneficial being a neurodivergent mother, because I don't give a monkeys about half of this stuff! If it doesn't make practical sense and isn't in River's best interests, I just don't feel the need to do it. 

Neurodivergent moms, may often have different perspectives, priorities, and preferences compared to the societal norms or expectations commonly associated with toddler parties. Maybe we place more importance on creating a comfortable and inclusive environment for our child because our childhoods were often so uncomfortable when expected to conform to societal norms? 

Neurodivergent moms may choose to plan parties that are more sensory-friendly, with calmer environments and activities that cater to their child's specific sensory needs.

We are also more likely to embrace alternative and creative approaches to toddler parties, focusing on activities that align with our child's interests and strengths, rather than adhering to conventional party trends. 

 Neurodivergent moms may be less influenced by external expectations and more focused on creating an inclusive and accepting environment for our child, valuing individual differences rather than striving to fit into mainstream societal standards.

Of course this is not true for all of us, and probably varies alot depending on how much we as adults still feel the need to mask, but as always I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Feel free to message me either through the website chat or my instagram (s.s.c.keepsakes) if you have anything to add.