We are invited to her birthday party this Sunday. Domenique is celebrating her 11th birthday and we have been her guests for more than 5 years, I guess.
It seems her parents throw a party for her every year without fail.
And get this: While this sounds like a party for children, it is also one hell of an event for adults to have fun. Talking about killing two birds with one stone.
From the get go, I can tell that her parents treasure and enjoy the togetherness with family and friends, besides food, of course.
That is not what I want to tell you. There’s something else.
For the first time we were invited, I was thrilled with how creative her parents are.
Every guest would receive a tiny, handmade invitation card.
On the card, there’s one common message that really stands out and it appears in every year’s invitation. It struck a chord in me and I am compelled to share this excellent message with you.
This year, it has become a bit different as Domenique is going to jointly celebrate her birthday with her papa. But the same message still remains:
No need for presents as Domenique already has plenty. However, if you feel like giving cash, a donation box will be provided. The money collected will be given to a charitable organization.
For a conventional birthday party, it’s all about me, me, and me. The birthday boy or girl always thinks about what’s in it for him or her.
My cake, my friends, my games, my day, and most of all my presents.
Indirectly, this whole “party” thing teaches nothing but self-centeredness. The child never looks outside and feels for others. He only focuses on himself.
By doing what Domenique’s parents do, you teach the child, for once, to take the attention out of himself and focus on what you can do to help those who are needy. Birthday can be more meaningful with giving instead of receiving.
Not only that, by “refusing” to accept presents can help alleviate the pressure on the guests and reduce wastage.
What a wonderful and meaningful way to celebrate birthday!
For more tips on how to ensure your child will be more giving and selfless, check out my “The Nonconformist’s Guide to Parenting.”
More details about the book can be found here:
