My oldest daughter turned 11 this week. Having 4 children, we only have "public" birthday parties for years that are derivatives of 5 (so 5, 10 & 15). At our "public" birthday parties, we invite whole families rather than just a kid here and there. No one feels left out of their family or ours (often a younger child of ours is friends with a younger sibling in their family). The kids get an opportunity to celebrate their sibling's birthday without thinking of themselves and everyone has a good time (and we don't end up spending tons on birthday parties and don't have to cart home tons of presents each year the kids don't really need).
Since it was an 11th birthday, there was no "party." A cake (icecream cake that she made herself!) and rollerblades. Our local homeschool group sponsors quarterly rollerskating parties and one happened to fall on her birthday. We don't always attend, so I sent out a secret e-mail letting many of our homeschool friends know that our family would be there (in case they were on the fence about going), and that if their children wanted to surprise our daughter with a homemade card, it would be joyous thing to do! The response was overwhelming. I think she got around 35 cards! She occasionally tells me she doesn't have many friends, so I will definately be using this for amunition of how loved she is. Our homeschool friends and community have been such a source of wisdom, encouragement and joy for our family. If you haven't found a homeschool group that fits your family, keep looking. The reward is well worth the effort!!!
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