When does a girl become a tween? And for that matter, is thirteen really the age that a girl becomes a teenager? Some people say a tween can be anywhere between nine and fifteen! Let’s just skip the specifics and say this…
I am freaking out because my baby is turning 13 tomorrow! 13!
I am not kidding you, it seems like yesterday when she was crawling in bed with us. Okay, it actually was yesterday because the Nancy Drew book she was reading was at a really scary part and night time can be soooo dark. My Sunshine Girl is growing up and I am thrilled. Not thrilled at the whole dating thing coming my way, but she has agreed to not dating until she is seventy years old and I am fine with that. (Of course, that puts me at just a shade under one hundred years old when she would get married, but no matter, I will hang on for my grandkiddos!) Luckily, my kids are pretty laid back about birthday parties (read: With four kids, they are lucky to get one), but thirteen is a pretty big one, so I wanted to make this one very special. I narrowed it down to four ways to make that tween/teen party special. And if you know anything about my writing, you will know I love alliteration.
Special
You do not need to do an elaborate theme in order to make a party memorable. You only need to know what she likes. It might be as simple as choosing a color she loves. My daughter’s biggest love language is not the usual touch, gifts, serving, etc. Hers is movies! So we are planning a huge family movie night with a candy stand where the brothers (she has three), cousins, and grandparents can buy special movie size candy (hint: buy at dollar store). By creating a party that showcases her unique tastes, you are truly able to celebrate who God created her to be.
Schedule
This is where the guest says, “I was having so much fun and then it was time to go home.” Plan for each hour time slot. Maybe even half hour for a longer party. Print the schedule for each child or have it posted somewhere. Whether it is a fun Explorer Theme or a half sleepover (read what I think about sleepovers here), each child will have a better time if there is a plan to the party instead of just hanging out for four hours.
Simple
My girlfriend’s child once went to a party where the parents rented a limousine and bought outfits for each child. That was not simple. Making your own decorations and making easy goodies like homemade Goldfish treats is an easy way to keep it simple. And simple can still be magnificent! Here are some simple ideas, but with big fun: Disco Party – Bring out the record players and the disco ball. Play some music and have retro treats to make any teenager feel like she knows where her parents are coming from. Rainbow Party – Tie dye shirts, Skittles in glass jars, and finger painting posters can complete this party with style.
Art Party – Find a pottery place or a craft store that can give classes to your guests at the party. Often, they will let you bring in a cake to have the whole party right in the store.
Baking Party – Start these girls on the right path to their husbands hearts while out teach them to bake their own cake pops for the party. They can decorate, eat some, and take some home to share.
Sweet Shop – Okay, so maybe I was wrong, maybe there can be some down time. Especially if you have a sweet shop set up in your house complete with old time sodas and super long straws. And the perfect goody? Sweet Toothbrushes!
Scrapbooking The last way to make each party special is to make sure the memories are not just on your computer (I am talking to myself, ladies. The last time I printed out a whole roll of pictures, this little girl was 6 months old.). We were so excited to get a digital camera, but unless I make a mini photo book right away or Shutterfly book, the printing of pictures just doesn’t happen. If you make mini books for various parties or events instead of trying to do a whole year or a whole childhood before they graduate, each event becomes even more special. Photos help to capture the moments. I know there are a ton more great ideas out there, so please, would you share them with me? If you comment today, maybe I can just squeeze them in for my Sweetie’s 13th birthday. If not, I have 365 more days to plan!
Happy Birthday My Sweet Girl!
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