13 yo daughter’s bday party

[Anonymous]

My kid went to a 13th at a restaurant recently … she said some of the kids were on phones and didn’t even talk to birthday child. I agree that for many kids this age, this type of party isn’t set up for success.

Anonymous wrote:

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]

Anonymous wrote:My kid went to a 13th at a restaurant recently … she said some of the kids were on phones and didn’t even talk to birthday child. I agree that for many kids this age, this type of party isn’t set up for success.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I find it funny that on this site in another thread people are defending a grown woman’s choice to ignore the host at a party because she likely has social anxiety. But here we are expecting 13 yr olds to not be so rude and by playing on a phone and ignoring the host. It’s not ok for kids but ok for adults apparently.

[Anonymous]

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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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

What has that got to do with a birthday party?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

What has that got to do with a birthday party?

I was responding to another comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

What has that got to do with a birthday party?

I was responding to another comment.

You were responding to me. You’ve been in here on your soapbox whining that kids should just get out and play more which has zero to do with birthday parties and what’s appropriate given that even you know the activities are appropriate. You just needed an in to go on your personal rampage about this topic. Kids playing outside has zip to do with parties for 13 yr olds or the topic of this thread.

[Anonymous]

Take them bowling. I agree with a pp, unless they’re watching a movie or doing karaoke, four hours is a long time to have 10 kids in your house just hanging out!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My new minted teenager (although she’s acted like one for years) plans to have about 10 of her school friends (all girls) over for a bday party. Her plans include roaming the neighborhood, which we vetoed. Please suggest your fav at-home activities for an 8th grade girl party (other than the obvious eating/watching a movie). We’ll have the girls over for about 4 hours, with a bestie sleeping over.

That is code for meet up with boys, so I would get them out of the house for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

What has that got to do with a birthday party?

I was responding to another comment.

You were responding to me. You’ve been in here on your soapbox whining that kids should just get out and play more which has zero to do with birthday parties and what’s appropriate given that even you know the activities are appropriate. You just needed an in to go on your personal rampage about this topic. Kids playing outside has zip to do with parties for 13 yr olds or the topic of this thread.

Ok so you asked and I answered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take them bowling. I agree with a pp, unless they’re watching a movie or doing karaoke, four hours is a long time to have 10 kids in your house just hanging out!

+1 np

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

What has that got to do with a birthday party?

I was responding to another comment.

You were responding to me. You’ve been in here on your soapbox whining that kids should just get out and play more which has zero to do with birthday parties and what’s appropriate given that even you know the activities are appropriate. You just needed an in to go on your personal rampage about this topic. Kids playing outside has zip to do with parties for 13 yr olds or the topic of this thread.

Ok so you asked and I answered.

Cool so glad you stopped by to give your random advice about what you think kids should do when they aren’t at parties. Real helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I don't think that many of the activities listed are too mature. I don't think kids need more screen time than they're already getting. It wouldn't kill them to go outside and run around a bit.

What has that got to do with a birthday party?

I was responding to another comment.

You were responding to me. You’ve been in here on your soapbox whining that kids should just get out and play more which has zero to do with birthday parties and what’s appropriate given that even you know the activities are appropriate. You just needed an in to go on your personal rampage about this topic. Kids playing outside has zip to do with parties for 13 yr olds or the topic of this thread.

Ok so you asked and I answered.

Cool so glad you stopped by to give your random advice about what you think kids should do when they aren’t at parties. Real helpful.

Not that random actually and I'm not the one who started this side conversation.