Friday, November 15, 2013

OVER THE TOP

My friend is going to a 6 yr. old niece’s birthday party this weekend. I’m thinking pin the tail on the donkey or drop the clothespins into a milk bottle for a group of little girls.  I got another think coming.

“My sister rented a movie theater for the party.  Not the whole place, of course. Just one of the theaters.”  Whew. I’m so relieved.

“They’re screening a turkey movie and I’m sure there’ll be cake and pizza.”

“What? No popcorn?” A movie isn’t a movie without the popcorn in my book.

This party gets me thinking about how parents have taken kids’ events to the extreme. I remember another over-the top example when I was a Spanish teacher. Two moms rented a limo to pick up their 6th grade daughters and a few friends on the last day of school. The moms wore Ray Bans and black T-shirts that said “Event Staff” as they joyously herded the chosen few into a stretch Hummer.

I remember shaking my head and thinking that I was 24 and a new bride when I got my first ride in a limo. What will these parents come up with for real milestones?

Then there’s my brother. He’s taking his daughter on a cruise for her 15th birthday. Really?  I was probably 40 before I went on a cruise and it was a cheapie to Ensenada. They’re cruising the Caribbean.

All I’m saying is that if parents keep up this over-the-top pace to surprise and delight  their pampered princes and princesses, the only thing left might be a trip to outer space. Don’t laugh. It could happen. Current price tag: $250,000.  Start saving, parents!

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