Who doesn't like a good birthday party? Well even though we like them, we need to stop with having parties for babies and toddlers. There is simply no solid reasons for having these parties. I'm not talking about acknowledging your child and doing something with the family. Have a special meal, buy them a small cake, whatever. I'm talking about putting together a birthday party. There are a bunch of reasons that people would provide, but I find none of them valid!  For this Episode 106, we offer "8 Reasons Why Birthday Parties Should Start After Age 5":

1. The child doesn't remember anything. Sure they might "recall" some things from pictures or video that was taken, but they won't remember that you invited 30 people, had amazing food, a bouncy house, and a clown come to visit.

2. It's way too expensive - I know, you can have people bring food, choose a free venue, and have friends do the entertainment. However we still have the other reasons to make up for it. There are just better things to spend your money on.

3. The child doesn't need more stuff - Their room is already a mess and the garage is overflowing with toys. The last thing we need is more stuff. Sure people suggest donating to a charity, planting a tree, or other noble ideas, but let's just avoid forcing other people to buy stuff on your kid's behalf.

4. The party is for you not the child - I've been to so many child parties where the child is crying or even ASLEEP during the party. Yes ASLEEP. The kid doesn't care. Your're the one who cars.

5. Other people don't want to come - When you have young kids, the last thing you want is more time obligations...especially on the weekend. The life of the other parent's is already filled with chaos. And since most often younger kid parties aren't "drop off". This means you often have to stay there at the party.

6. Other people don't want to buy gifts - Sure people are generous and like doing things for others. But they really don't want to spend their money on a kid they have never really spent time with and is only associated with your kid because they are in the same class.

7. It's stressful - Planning a party can be stressful. Especially when you are so concerned about everyone having a good time and everything being perfect because you get judged and you really care about what other people think!  We need to make sure we have a vegetarian option, a gluten free option, can't have peanuts, etc.  The adults will definitely need different food than the kids. What about entertainment? We can't have any breaks in the entertainment. It needs to be go-go-go to entertain kids.

8. Setting too high of expectations - If you get the pony or the princess or the balloon maker clown, next year you are going to have to top it. If you don't, you get to disappoint your child. Avoid the disappointment and never introduce the party to them in the first place. When they say that their friend Jennifer is having a party, you can say "that's awesome and in our family your first party is at age 6 which includes you inviting a friend over to watch a movie and have popcorn!"

Let's be realistic. We all want to make our children happy and fulfilled. Let's find other ways to do this when they are young.