Community Magazine June 2014

Si•to (sĭtō) Grandmother[Arabic] Ask ito YOU CAN ASK SITO! Send in your toughest queries and requests for the wisdom of Sito mobile: Scan the QR code at right online: go.CommunityM.com/ask email: Ask@CommunityM.com facsimile: 718-504-4246 postal mail: 1616 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11223 86 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Dear Sito, I am starting to plan a birthday party for my daughter for the end of the summer. I am looking online and I’ve seen what other people I know have done, and I feel a lot of pressure to make a fancy party. My daughter is still young and I don’t want to spend a lot of money, but on the other hand, I’m worried about what people will think, and, as they say, the pictures will last forever. It’s not just about creative solutions – I can’t seem to find a happy medium. Is there any way I can just have a simple party? Planning a Party Of course there are ways to have a simple party! In my day, we were thrilled to have a special home-baked cake, a paper cone party hat and candles to blow out. Parents have always wanted to please their children and prepare a celebration to commemorate the special day, but our definition of celebration has been blown out of proportion to what is needed and acceptable. These days, parties for two-year-olds are not complete without an entire petting zoo, a magician, a clown, expensive party favors, and a custom-designed birthday cake enjoyed by 50 guests. No expense is spared and yet the little child becomes cranky and overtired, leading to immense disappointment on the part of parents. If we are to find, as you say, a “creative solution,” we must first determine the goal of the party. Are you trying to impress your peers, make a “fancy” party, or create pleasant memories for your child? What is your priority? If you truly want to have a simple party, then put all notions of “keeping up with the Cohens” out of your head. If your daughter is old enough, involve her in planning the day. Does she have a hobby or interest that can be highlighted? In my experience, the birthday girl wants to be the center of attention, so any entertainer will detract from her, whereas if all the girls are involved in an activity that she enjoys, it will really feel like her day. For example, a friend’s granddaughter was very interested in dance, so her mom hired a dance teacher for a few hours and the girls choreographed, learned and performed the dance. The pictures and video were great! Another party theme was needlepoint, which was this particular birthday girl’s passion. Each girl was given a small canvas on which they drew a picture, along with a thread and a needle and instructions how to needlepoint. The girls were then able to take the unfinished project home and complete it there. This format can be used for any hobby, such as art, music, exercise, and sports. The cost of this type of party is minimal, yet the experience is memorable. Another idea, which can accomplish two tasks at once – is to have the girls bake and decorate cupcakes which can then be served when you sing the birthday song. Use your imagination, and disregard what you have seen others do. A birthday celebration should be tailored to and personalized for the person celebrating. Making it like anyone else’s diminishes from the uniqueness of the day. Most importantly, the best picture that evokes the most precious memories is the one of your daughter smiling as her friends and family celebrate her special day. Save the “fancy” for her wedding! All the best, Sito Dear Planning a Party,