“We spend a bundle year after year on birthday celebrations with school friends which seem so meaningless, as children have become accustomed to such birthday celebrations. I want to break out of this routine but it’s hard to do, as it is socially expected.” M.R, Kolkata

Yes, birthdays parties can become repetitive with the type of celebrations that your children’s friends expect. Yet every birthday can become a special milestone to celebrate the joy of having this child in your life. Talk to her about making each birthday extra special and meaningful by doing something different. Here are some ways to break out of the monotony of the routine birthday party.

1. Plan an initiative that will introduce your family to a new activity. It could be trekking, outdoor camping or a new adventure sport.
2. Invite a handful of old friends or relatives whom you rarely meet, to a lakeside picnic.
3. Plan a day of activities at an orphanage or old people’s home where your family can mingle with residents.
4. Gift your child a membership to a new skill development class of her choice, and spend the day exploring the skill by making a visit to a connected place.

Staging a meaningful birthday

• Don’t let the stereotype cake-and-balloons party or school celebration take the zing out of your child’s birthday.
• Focus on making her feel loved and treasured. Make a card appreciating your child’s good habits, lovable traits and laudable activities. Spend time talking about the joy you felt on the day she was born, and reminisce about her first schoolfriends.
• Start a yearly folder containing photos and objects that made the past year memorable. It can include craftwork, pictures, positive remarks made in a school test paper, or pictures taken at a summer camp.
• Make and decorate cupcakes or cakes with your child to share in school. It will be an extra-special treat because you made them!