Melbourne's Child
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The Culture Of Birthdays
Randa Abdel-Fattah observes that we all have a tendency to be drawn in to the party vortex.
“What is it about a children’s birthday party that excites so many of us? It’s common to find an invitation in your child’s schoolbag asking them (and usually you as supervising parent) to share in this special occasion. You accept, wholeheartedly embracing the event as part of the implied social contract between parents of young children. We may have nothing in common, barely speaking two words in the hustle and bustle of dropping off and picking up our children at school, but we’ll enthusiastically partake in birthday celebrations. But do these celebrations and expectations vary depending on people’s ethnic or religious heritage and, if so, how do parents navigate them? …”
Party Priority
There comes a time when parents need to relinquish some control to their children, writes Dr Elizabeth Reed.
“Parties undoubtedly are a highlight of childhood, but they also present parents and children with social challenges, such as how to cope when a much hoped for invitation does not arrive, and who has the final say on the guest list.
“After organising their children’s parties for many years, some parents struggle with handing over the reins to their offspring in relation to who to invite and how to celebrate. I’m one of them. My view is that by the age of eight a child knows how and with whom they would like to celebrate their birthday. Yet when my son graduated, at the age of 10, to only wanting a couple of mates over for a movie and sleepover, I wasn’t quite ready for it. So I organised a surprise party, taking it out of his hands and inviting all his friends (and some of their siblings). He had a great time, but I promised that it was then over to him. …”
Match Report
Margaret Langdon looks at the sometimes life-changing friendships formed between children with special needs and volunteer helpers.
“Matchmaking isn’t always about romance. Melbourne-based Extended Families Australia (EFA) uses its matchmaking skills to pair children with disabilities with a volunteer willing to provide ongoing friendship and support to the child and their family.
“EFA manager Julie Langdon believes the service is about connecting people. ‘It’s about facilitating relationships that are going to be supportive and meaningful for people,’ she says. ‘We see it as strengthening communities.’
“The not-for-profit organisation has a team of about 90 volunteers aged 18 to 80-plus who provide friendship to more than 100 children and their families. Langdon says there are about 200 families on the waiting list, and more volunteers are required. …”
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