13 yo daughter’s bday party

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

Oh, so you’re the construction paper poster. Multiple people did not like that idea. But feel free to read the rest of the thread for ideas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

Oh, so you’re the construction paper poster. Multiple people did not like that idea. But feel free to read the rest of the thread for ideas.

No I wasn't that poster.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, this is all so different from kid to kid.

DD recently went to a 13yo bday party where the girl wanted to do "field day games" so they were in the backyard doing sack races and egg toss.

Just last weekend, she went to another one that was "makeovers" and then watching Mean Girls

My DD would rather to do a football party, with Ravens themes and flag football game in the backyard.

And the thing is, each party was great and fun because it was what the girl wanted.

Crowd sourcing this stuff is just going to end up with a bad idea

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

I’m not sure what is wrong with doing crafts at a birthday party. Teens love making things and doing artsy things. They can do creative things!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

I’m not sure what is wrong with doing crafts at a birthday party. Teens love making things and doing artsy things. They can do creative things!

To be fair, there are tons of craft suggestions in here. The “child like” poster never said what was too mature in here that bothered her. She said kids didn’t need to grow up or be pushed into too mature things yet couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was posted that bothered her. The multiple crafts? Movies? Dining out? Games?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

I’m not sure what is wrong with doing crafts at a birthday party. Teens love making things and doing artsy things. They can do creative things!

To be fair, there are tons of craft suggestions in here. The “child like” poster never said what was too mature in here that bothered her. She said kids didn’t need to grow up or be pushed into too mature things yet couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was posted that bothered her. The multiple crafts? Movies? Dining out? Games?

I'm that poster and I actually never said that any of the activities mentioned were too mature. I commented on another poster who that they thought it was weird ppl want to keep their 13 year olds childlike. I also commented that there was nothing wrong with the craft suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my kid’s 11 yo bday party, a few older sibs walked their younger sisters over to our apartment (NYC). We said the older girls could stay if they wanted since we had extra supplies.

We had little plastic terrariums, dirt, glass beads, succulents, and little resin figurines, and the kids designed their own terrarium. We still see them in the guests’ houses a few years later, so I guess that was a hit. Also, painting rocks with acrylic paint pens.

The older kids were very into it all, so maybe they were relatively immature 13 year olds. Or maybe the older girls just leaned into a random bonus fun few hours with no need to look cool (since all of them “had” to be there with their younger sisters).

So you did a craft like almost everyone is suggesting in here? Nobody said crafts were immature and there are many examples of crafts. What most people agree on is construction paper and glue sticks is not appropriate. You agree with that as well since that’s not what you did.

PP here. The OP asked for ideas, so I provided a suggestion (terrariums/rocks) that had worked for us and I had not seen suggested in the first page or two of the thread.

It was for slightly younger kids, so I provided a justification that I think it might work for 13 year olds. I was not trying to argue with anyone or take sides.

Why would you call 13yr olds immature for liking a craft?

Because this poster seems to think the second you turn 13, that's it childhood over, can't like kid stuff anymore.

Weird since all I see is craft suggestions in here. Except for one dud most are pretty good. But that person can’t seem to get over the fact nobody liked it.

There has been this one poster laughing and making fun of ppl who want to keep their kids"child like" as they call it. And making fun of some ppls suggestions.

I’m not sure what is wrong with doing crafts at a birthday party. Teens love making things and doing artsy things. They can do creative things!

To be fair, there are tons of craft suggestions in here. The “child like” poster never said what was too mature in here that bothered her. She said kids didn’t need to grow up or be pushed into too mature things yet couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was posted that bothered her. The multiple crafts? Movies? Dining out? Games?

I'm that poster and I actually never said that any of the activities mentioned were too mature. I commented on another poster who that they thought it was weird ppl want to keep their 13 year olds childlike. I also commented that there was nothing wrong with the craft suggestions.

You never said what they should be doing instead, whatever it is you consider “child like”. Nobody understands what you think 13 yr olds should be doing instead of what they are doing, which you agree is appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn’t do parties for 13 year olds. They are pretty old for traditional birthday parties! Have a birthday dinner for all 10 girls at a restaurant in Georgetown or something.

A kid did that last year and the kids were bored to tears. Not ever doing that. They are not adults. It's not fun.

[Anonymous]

We had a small group of girls, but they all like to cook/bake so they did an at-home "Nailed It", trying to recreate a cake.

It was hilarious

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, this is all so different from kid to kid.

DD recently went to a 13yo bday party where the girl wanted to do "field day games" so they were in the backyard doing sack races and egg toss.

Just last weekend, she went to another one that was "makeovers" and then watching Mean Girls

My DD would rather to do a football party, with Ravens themes and flag football game in the backyard.

And the thing is, each party was great and fun because it was what the girl wanted.

Crowd sourcing this stuff is just going to end up with a bad idea

This is the correct answer. Not all 13 year olds love crafts, not all 13 year olds love makeup and skin care, not all 13 year olds are sporty. Although I think the idea of giving teens construction paper and glue as a craft activity is not a good one. Crafty teens have much more dexterity than a 5 year old, have them crochet, make jewelry, etc. Yes, more mature crafting than what you would give a kindergartner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don’t need to plan activities at this age. Give them some space, feed them, let your kid put on a movie. They’ll just want to hang out. Don’t be surprised if a couple peel off to read or whatever if the commotion gets overwhelming.

Nobody goes off to read at a birthday party as guests do not bring their own books.

Or the commotion gets overwhelming? It’s all a lot of chaos and noise. They have no idea how loud they are but nobody sequesters themselves to read in the middle of it.

Lol you should be a fly on the wall at one of my kids' sleepover parties. They all bring books! And yes you will sometimes hear them cajoling on another "put down your book so we can do nail polish" or whatever. Some kids are just like that.

So I think the key is for your kid to know themselves and their friends and pick a them accordingly. One of mine would happily have a book club birthday and the other absolutely no way on earth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don’t need to plan activities at this age. Give them some space, feed them, let your kid put on a movie. They’ll just want to hang out. Don’t be surprised if a couple peel off to read or whatever if the commotion gets overwhelming.

Nobody goes off to read at a birthday party as guests do not bring their own books.

Or the commotion gets overwhelming? It’s all a lot of chaos and noise. They have no idea how loud they are but nobody sequesters themselves to read in the middle of it.

Lol you should be a fly on the wall at one of my kids' sleepover parties. They all bring books! And yes you will sometimes hear them cajoling on another "put down your book so we can do nail polish" or whatever. Some kids are just like that.

So I think the key is for your kid to know themselves and their friends and pick a them accordingly. One of mine would happily have a book club birthday and the other absolutely no way on earth.

I think the point is the bookworms find each other. There isn’t one bookworm doing this when surrounded by the types not likely to drop everything to read in the middle of a party. Birds of a feather stick together. The people who need headphones and quiet aren’t at the shrieky chaotic party in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don’t need to plan activities at this age. Give them some space, feed them, let your kid put on a movie. They’ll just want to hang out. Don’t be surprised if a couple peel off to read or whatever if the commotion gets overwhelming.

Nobody goes off to read at a birthday party as guests do not bring their own books.

Or the commotion gets overwhelming? It’s all a lot of chaos and noise. They have no idea how loud they are but nobody sequesters themselves to read in the middle of it.

Lol you should be a fly on the wall at one of my kids' sleepover parties. They all bring books! And yes you will sometimes hear them cajoling on another "put down your book so we can do nail polish" or whatever. Some kids are just like that.

So I think the key is for your kid to know themselves and their friends and pick a them accordingly. One of mine would happily have a book club birthday and the other absolutely no way on earth.

I think the point is the bookworms find each other. There isn’t one bookworm doing this when surrounded by the types not likely to drop everything to read in the middle of a party. Birds of a feather stick together. The people who need headphones and quiet aren’t at the shrieky chaotic party in the first place.

Sometimes my DD is that kid. Thankfully she's able to advocate for herself and found a nice group of accepting kids who don't care if she goes off to the side with her headphones for a bit. That wasn't the case for her previous group that made fun of anything "weird." And sometimes she's the one leading the loud party dances and songs. It's all good.

Anyway, back to the topic. Karaoke can be fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don’t need to plan activities at this age. Give them some space, feed them, let your kid put on a movie. They’ll just want to hang out. Don’t be surprised if a couple peel off to read or whatever if the commotion gets overwhelming.

Nobody goes off to read at a birthday party as guests do not bring their own books.

Or the commotion gets overwhelming? It’s all a lot of chaos and noise. They have no idea how loud they are but nobody sequesters themselves to read in the middle of it.

Lol you should be a fly on the wall at one of my kids' sleepover parties. They all bring books! And yes you will sometimes hear them cajoling on another "put down your book so we can do nail polish" or whatever. Some kids are just like that.

So I think the key is for your kid to know themselves and their friends and pick a them accordingly. One of mine would happily have a book club birthday and the other absolutely no way on earth.

I think the point is the bookworms find each other. There isn’t one bookworm doing this when surrounded by the types not likely to drop everything to read in the middle of a party. Birds of a feather stick together. The people who need headphones and quiet aren’t at the shrieky chaotic party in the first place.

Sometimes my DD is that kid. Thankfully she's able to advocate for herself and found a nice group of accepting kids who don't care if she goes off to the side with her headphones for a bit. That wasn't the case for her previous group that made fun of anything "weird." And sometimes she's the one leading the loud party dances and songs. It's all good.

Anyway, back to the topic. Karaoke can be fun.

Is your daughter 13? You see these things more often at a party where the whole class is invited. At smaller parties with older kids that they invite themselves, they are all pretty much the same.