https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:36:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1540849 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:39:47 +0000 Kimberlybee 1540849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I felt the author brought out some good points in her writing but the tone was on the negative side and she sounds really stressed out. She mentioned that arts and crafts were things that can be done at school. This is not true anymore. So many things have changed since our childhood. Music and art classes are being removed from the curriculum across the country, even physical education classes are being reduced due to budget cuts. Recess is also being removed. The fact is times have changed. We now live in a digital world and our little ones will be affected more than ever. For some the only arts and crafts exposure they will get will be from family outside of school hours. </p> <p>If you knew you had only 1 year left to be with your family what would you do, how would you do things differently? I would want to make every single day count, make it as beautiful and as special as I can, live in harmony, peace, and purpose with my family, and of course I would take tons and tons of pictures! Knowing that your days are limited, all the ordinary things suddenly seem extraordinary. What would seem like so much trouble to make happen, really is no big deal at all. When we're gone, we will leave behind the memories for our friends and family. What's magical and fun for me will not bring the same amount of joy to other families. </p> <p>Even a simple picnic in the park can be filled with lots of love and laughter, that's what makes it magical, is our approach and attitude. If planning elaborate themed parties brings about a lot of stress and worry for you, takes you to a negative place, then that's a good indicator to not stress yourself out about it. If arts and crafts seem really troublesome, then avoid it. However, if Pinterest worthy parties and decor brings out a lot of joy and happiness for me without breaking the bank, then I would go all out for it. There is no guarantee that each and every one of us will be here tomorrow so you just gotta do what works for your family unit. </p> <p>I didn't agree with her closing statement either, "We constantly hear that children these days don't get enough exercise. Perhaps the most underused of all of their muscles is the imagination, as we seek desperately to find a recipe for something that already exists." This last sentence was very insincere. Child obesity is a severe problem this country is facing and so many factors are involved: lack of exercise, reducing P.E. classes, electronic gadget dependency, and lack of healthy food choices in schools are some reasons that come to mind. It's no joking matter. </p> <p>“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't.”<br /> - Eleanor Roosevelt<br /> (American United Nations Diplomat, Humanitarian and First Lady (1933-45), wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd US president. 1884-1962)</p> <p>Oh gosh....sorry for the novel! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1539288 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:53:11 +0000 Foodnerd81 1539288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the main point is to do you. I have always loved arts and crafts, and my mom was SO not crafty, so I did them with girl scouts or whatever, and it was fine. I hope C loves them like I do and we will do lots of fun craft projects, and yeah, I'll probably get inspiration from pinterest. But we will do it because it's something I enjoy anyway, you know? </p> <p>But for now, I fully acknowledge that most of the things I am doing are for me, not her. We did finger painting for valentine's day and it was fun, but more for me than her probably. If we have a first birthday party, it's going to be for me and DH, not her, she doesn't know the difference. But we got through the first year-- we might want to celebrate that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1539239 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:36:41 +0000 loveisstrange 1539239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Honestly, yes. I do. I know someone who sticks out as a prime example of it. She does it to get a pat on the back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1539225 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:29:47 +0000 LovelyPlum 1539225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: "it all lies in the intention" is perfect :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1539078 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 08:41:22 +0000 Mae 1539078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: Do you know people that you think do pinterest-y stuff for the sake of showing off on the internet? </p> <p>I guess I feel like people say that all the time and I just don't know anyone like that. The people I know who are "pinterest-y" are just crafty people who would be crafty anyways. Then I know people who could't care less and that's fine too. I think the difference with pinterest is that it gives inspiration if you're inclined to do stuff anyways. Or maybe helps people who want to be crafty but need more instruction. I just haven't seen in real life this much-maligned woman who is so very concerned with crafting for the sake of impressing her Facebook friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1539068 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 08:37:15 +0000 blackbird 1539068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom threw some awesome ass birthday parties when we were kids. Were they over the top and ridiculous? Yes. Were they AWESOME? Yes. She did it because she wanted to, because it was important to her. Not because she had to throw "the best of the best" and capture it for the internet. Hell, all the photos were ruined in a mudslide. But i have memories of them. </p> <p>I think it all lies in the intention. Some women are crafty and really into these things. I for one, am, but have to hold myself back because I tend to get in over my head. But not because I'm thinking "OHHH a photo OP!" but because I am just like that and want to go above and beyond. </p> <p>She's just being a poo-pooer :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538820 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 06:35:51 +0000 loveisstrange 1538820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@photojane: See... I see a difference with how my mom was and the culture today though. Yes, my mom always decorated our rooms, and did fun stuff, and threw fun themed birthdays. I vividly remember my 6th birthday. We did a victorian tea party and she bought a bunch of old prom dresses from thrift stores and me and my friends played dress up and decorated big straw sunhats. My cake was a teapot and cups that she made herself. She always made us really awesome Halloween costumes... she was awesome.</p> <p>However, that's my mom. That's just what she loves to do. I love to do it too, probably because that's how she was. She didn't do it because some women on pinterest or on a forum made her feel like she should. I feel like that's the difference. She did it because she loves to do it. If the internet had existed when I was a kid, I doubt she would have bothered to blog about it.</p> <p>I agree with this article in that killing yourself to reach some imaginary height of being the "perfect pinterest mom" is ridiculous. Who effing cares. I don't agree that you shouldn't "make magic" if that's what you love to do. I think this article is just another example of "I think this about x parenting issue and Im going to make you feel inferior for not agreeing". Bah. It's all crap.</p> <p>I, for one, love crafts, DIY, holidays, big birthday parties, decorating, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538762 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 05:04:03 +0000 anonysquire 1538762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmm. I'm still going to try my hardest to be magical. I'm a lover of holidays, dressing up, surprises and crafts. Sue me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538275 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:52:01 +0000 Mae 1538275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@photojane: I agree. I felt like the article reeked of self-consciousness about her own choices. Like she has to tear down other moms who like all that stuff because she doesn't. </p> <p>I do agree that kids don't need pinterest-worthy nurseries or expensive vacations, and if you're throwing birthday parties or decorating or crafting to one-up some other moms you have issues. But that's about where my agreement ends. </p> <p>She advocates spending less time with your kids in favor of making them play by themselves, play video games, or watch tv. All of those things have their place and I have no intention of being a cruise director who is in charge of my kid's entertainment 24/7, but I don't see why parents "hardly ever" interacting with their kids is a good thing. At all. </p> <p>Regarding the rest of it-- moms have been crafting and throwing parties since there have been moms. I didn't have close in age siblings or live in an area where friends were within walking distance, so all I did was hang out with my mom and my grandparents (who lived across the street). Every day we were baking or crafting or gardening. My grandma was a seamstress and my grandpa was a carpenter so they had an endless supply of projects to do. My dad wasn't around as much because he worked a lot but he made a point of making "magical" days for us. Weekends we'd go hiking or orienteering with him, or he'd take us out for ice cream or occasionally even bust us out of school unexpectedly for a fun daddy/daughter day. And the vacation we took to the beach when I was 6 is an amazing memory for me. </p> <p>So.. yea. I feel like spending lots of time with your kids and involving them in crafting and baking and exploring are just normal. That's how I grew up and that's how I intend to raise my daughter. I like crafting and baking. I do it before she's here and I did it before pinterest existed. I got married before pinterest existed and still DIY'd everything. And yes, her nursery looks pinterest-y, but so does the rest of my house which has nothing to do with pinterest but rather the fact that pretty spaces make me happy. </p> <p>If she knew me she'd probably judge me thinking I'm trying too hard or I'm just doing it for show but everything she hates is just what makes me happy. I don't see how sending her kids off to watch tv alone makes her superior to people who want to be more involved. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538199 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:33:24 +0000 photojane 1538199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Train: Right on. Exactly my point. People should be exactly the parent that they are and be proud of it - whether that's throwing $2000 Pinterest parties or not doing parties at all. We don't need pressure from either direction telling us what's right for us! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538128 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:11:37 +0000 Weagle 1538128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think she's targeting crafting. I don't think she's especially targeting anything except the idea that parenting is for show or that somehow parents that don't make every day extravagant are somehow less of a parent. I think she's saying that it's okay to let kids be kids and not Pinterest their life away. </p> <p>It did make me sad that her parents didn't play with her much. Granted, her circumstances are different than mine, but we intend to play with our kids a lot! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538113 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:04:17 +0000 immabeetoo 1538113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @photojane ! I do think part of it is true, that people get caught up in documenting and sharing more than the experience. But, I grew up with a crafty Mom who made me a gigantic, awesome cardboard castle for a birthday party, sewed my Halloween costumes, had magical "junk drawers" of craft supplies I could utilize. So, I hope to recreate some of that magic and love crafting/creating for myself and for LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1538003 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:05:54 +0000 Mrs. Train 1538003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@photojane: I agree. I think her tone is very judgmental towards the opposite spectrum. I don't know what she has against craft projects but she seemed very against crafting at home. I have very fond memories of some of my families holiday activities, crafts and birthday parties and I am doing the same things with my kids. I love making their childhood magical. It is one of my favorite parts of parenthood besides the snuggles, those are definitely my favorite.</p> <p>I do agree with her statements about showing it on social media outlets. I think it is good to step back and say, am I doing this for my kids and my family or am I doing it for likes on facebook. If it's the later then maybe it can be toned down a bit and make the focus more on the kids. I take pictures of my kids non stop, not because I am staging life for a blog but because I want to have these images as I grow older. Just today my son went into my room and got one of our pictures books out and we looked through it together. He found the pictures of his first birthday and said ""wow mom that was a cool cake you made. Thanks mom you're the best." Does he actually remember his first birthday party with cute cowboy decorations..... nope but he has my pictures and he can feel the emotions that are captured in them. </p> <p>I also think some of it has to do with feeling pressured into doing these things. If you don't through the biggest prettiest pinterest party then you are doing it wrong. If we aren't making beautiful hand print artwork with our kids then we are doing it wrong. If we don't dress our kids perfectly in designer clothes then they are suffering. Well that's just not true. I love looking at pinterest for party ideas, it doesn't mean my parties are ever going to turn out like that but I do get some cute ideas. I love the summer activity lists, but it doesn't mean every second of our day is going to be high intensity and involved activities. I think as long as people realize that pinterest and everything that they see on facebook is not some level they HAVE to attain to be good enough then it it can be a really fun an useful tool. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537882 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 17:18:26 +0000 photojane 1537882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ehh... there are definitely points I agree with, but I also think in her attempt to validate her choice of not going out of her way for her kids, she's placing judgement on mothers who do like planning for their kids. I feel like she's trying to prove something that doesn't need proving - there isn't a right or wrong way. And, I think I might be the only voice of opposition in the crowd. :silly: </p> <p>Long before Pinterest, and even before we used the Internet at all at home, my mom was creating magic for my childhood. My mom didn't work, and there were three kids, so we never had much money either. But, mom was creative. She DIY'd before it was cool. She threw me wonderful, elaborate parties - a circus-themed birthday replete with clowns and carnival games; bunny-themed Easter parties with a huge egg hunt and craft stations; a Christmas cookie party where Santa came to visit. We did lots of crafts and activities, especially on "Hallmark holidays." I have incredible memories of my childhood. Thinking about how determined she was to make our childhoods special makes me cry. My mom is boss.</p> <p>Would I have had a miserable childhood if my mom was less determined? Probably not. I have plenty of great, simpler memories of playing pretend with my brothers or just digging in the dirt. But, she did go over the top. She did craft. We did vacation every summer. And it was freakin' awesome. I wouldn't trade any one of those memories. </p> <p>The point I'm trying to make here is... let me do me. I'll let you do you. If you don't want to throw a huge, detailed birthday party, don't. And if I want to dye everything in my house green on St. Patrick's Day so that I can see my kid smile for 10 seconds, I will. And if I want to share it on Facebook so that my family &amp; friends can see, I will. Simple is better for the author. But crazy, over-the-top, ridiculous might be better for me. And that's cool. One isn't better than the other. :)</p> <p>PS: Like @birdofafeather: mentioned, part of the magic of vacations, fun birthday parties, etc. is the enjoyment of the parent. It's fun for me to see her have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537875 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 17:12:28 +0000 daniellemybelle 1537875@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: THIS. My mom did crafts &amp; fun things with us &amp; I have fond memories. In particular our Christmas traditions were really fun &amp; special. But she did things she knew we would enjoy - not to keep up with folks on Facebook.</p> <p>I am totally guilty of this though. I bought a St. Patrick's day sleeper for LO for fun &amp; she wore it on family vacation, so multiple people saw it. Yet I felt like it didn't "count" because I forgot to Instagram it! Stupid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537833 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:55:54 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1537833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes childhood is magical all by itself. I remember the stuff- toys and trips, but also the lazy summer days "patrolling" the neighborhood with my pals. As long as parents delight in the details- the parties, the mini style, the crafts etc I don't see a real problem. Every moment doesn't require parent - made magic, but involved parents are a good thing. </p> <p>I loved that author's "I'm bored" solution. Chores! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537732 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:17:09 +0000 Greentea 1537732@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I dislike the projection and resulting striving - for perfection - that the internet age has thus induced. </p> <p>However, I am not in the camp of not "entertaining" my kids if that means "rarley playing with them," as this writer (seems to define it and) states his/her parents did and as mine rarely did. I want to do everything with my kid. In the world I grew up in kids were treated like second class citizens. Maybe I still am kinda like a kid but I want to swim and play and run around outside with them.</p> <p>One of my favorite things about Mexico was that kids were out with adults enjoying the music at night in the streets. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537725 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:14:26 +0000 gingerbebe 1537725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I completely agree with this article, but perhaps its because I had an upbringing that sounds a lot like her's. My brother and I were never bored, we never expected our parents to entertain us, we never had themed birthday parties, and we rarely if ever went on vacations. But we always felt loved and knew our parents did the best they could. </p> <p>I think overall, this article reminds me to stay honest about what I'm doing for my kid vs. what I'm really doing for myself. At the end of the day, kids don't need much and lot of what goes on is about making the parents feel good about themselves. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537719 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:12:05 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 1537719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Flipping lurve! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537707 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:08:54 +0000 deerylou 1537707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I love the special touches, too. I think it adds to family culture, and creates really nice memories. Our daughters are around the same age, and I totally do things she doesn't understand, what so ever. But some day, they'll catch on, and appreciate it until they can roll their eyes. ;) For now, it's nice for me, and her dad.</p> <p>I remember, as a kid, my mom and I would go on long walks, and search for pine cones. When we got home, I'd add a sickening amount of Elmer's glue and roll them in glitter. She'd let me display them on the mantle, but they eventually would get tossed.</p> <p>I think people are still collecting leaves and pine cones, but parents are more likely to search for a way to DIY them into permanent, living room decor, and then send the whole set-up through a filter for their instagram followers. That's where it becomes less about the magic, and more about the kudos. I think that's kind of what the writer was getting at? At least, that was my take on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537702 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:08:10 +0000 birdofafeather 1537702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: "I think there is a line somewhere between doing things for/with your kids because you actually want to and it's fun and doing things for/with your kids so that you can look good to other people and get stressed it isn't perfect enough."</p> <p>YES! my mom helped us make crazy crafts when we were growing up because she loved it and was good at it! i WISH i had photos of what we did together, because in my mind, it was the most awesome indian village diorama ever.</p> <p>i WANT to go on vacations with my kids. yeah, we'll save up and our kids may not remember, but it will be fun for me and DH to see their excitement and make memories for US too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537660 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 15:54:46 +0000 Cherrybee 1537660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't agree with everything the writer said but I still really enjoyed this article. I particularly liked the line about "creating contrived memories". I'm really guilty of this - sometimes I'm so concerned about capturing every little moment on camera I forget to live it. I love all the little touches though - I do the "magical" stuff for me at this point (my LO is too young to even notice it) and, as she grows up, I'm going to want to do arts and crafts with her! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537408 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:56:20 +0000 pinkcupcake 1537408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that the problem is that it seems like most people "stage" beautiful parties, crafts, nurseries, childhood moments because they want to share and show off on FB and the internet. I want to do all that I can to make my daughter's childhood magical and I love holidays and special moments so I like to go all out, but I do it for us, not to share with the world. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537374 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:48:47 +0000 MrsKoala 1537374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjyw: YES, THIS! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537373 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:48:46 +0000 Elderberrygin 1537373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a similar reaction to you. I found it refreshing, and I definitely tend to get caught up in all the cool crafts and holiday decorations on Pinterest, so it was a good reminder.</p> <p>I like the way my Mum did things when I was a kid. Christmas, Easter and birthdays really were magical, but very simple. She wrote letters from Father Christmas and the Easter Bunny and we made an advent calendar every year and had a whole lot of family traditions. But it definitely wasn't Pinterest/Instagram ready - lots of wonky-looking kid-made decorations in our house.</p> <p>Outside of a few special family occasions, she provided the opportunities and materials and then got out of our way. We had a dress-up box that was mostly her old hippy clothes, and a busy box full of simple craft supplies and we were expected to make our own fun. </p> <p>That being said, I'm totally going to go crazy decorating LO's big girl room. We didn't do anything for her nursery and I love decorating. But I'm fully aware that's mostly for me and not her, though I hope she'll like playing in it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537371 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:48:18 +0000 deerylou 1537371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Freckles: I think a lot of it is most certainly for show. </p> <p>I didn't start to care about what my bedroom looked like until I was in junior high school. I can't tell you how my family celebrated my first four or five birthdays. </p> <p>What I appreciate about my childhood is that my parents were there - they were present, invested, and involved. They cultivated my interests, and made time for me, each day. The best things we did together weren't that pretty, and didn't cost very much (and we were admittedly upper-middle class). I remember making tacos out of leaves, mud, and moss, and having movie night slumber parties on the living room floor. There weren't any DIY "admit one" tickets, or coordinated pajamas - there was jiffy pop and blankts thrown in a heap, on the floor. It didn't look amazing, but it was special. I think we lose sight of that, sometimes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537310 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:35:26 +0000 Freckles 1537310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I agree. Is a magical, pinterest worthy nursery really something your newborn will notice? It's so easy to get caught up in these things because other moms are doing it. Not saying it's always the case, but it sometimes feels disingenuous, like each magical moment is really a photo op for the parents' blog/facebook/ig. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537292 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:31:18 +0000 lawbee11 1537292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the internet obviously has a lot to do with it. When my mom was coming up with ideas for my 1st birthday party she didn't have blogs or Pinterest or Facebook to look at. She basically just had to go to the party supply store, pick a theme and that was that. </p> <p>As a mom that sucks at crafts (attempting the "I love you from the bottom of my heart to the tips of my toes" project with my DD was a total disaster that left my LO looking like she belonged in a murder crime scene) I found the article refreshing. Oh and I suck at Pinterest, too. I think I have 4 pins. I'm more of an Etsy mom :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537268 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:25:16 +0000 snowjewelz 1537268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the problem is the parents are doing it for other people, or just to be able to gloat on FB/IG about the craft/party/project... And not making it about their kids. I feel like I DO want to make my kids' childhood magical but more in the way to help them appreciate nature, discover fun in mundane things, see the world w/ different eyes, etc. </p> <p>I don't know why I'm so opinionated about this haha, I don't even have an LO right now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/huffpost-im-done-making-my-kids-childhood-magical#post-1537252 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:22:01 +0000 deerylou 1537252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, I'm all for meaningful crafts and special, family traditions. That is actually where the article fell a bit short, for me. Those kinds of things were really special for me, as a kid. However, I think there's an enormous pressure for parents to spend an exorbitant amount of time and money on daily, fabricated "magic". From over-the-top baby birthday parties to fragile nurseries worth thousands, it can seem like one giant photo op, at times. </p> <p>I think parents of the pinterest generation can often go too far with the "every day is a sparkly festival" theme. In turn, I think this can actually put unnecessary pressure on kids. I've been to a few birthday parties that had so much back-to-back DIY stations and projects, and click-click-click of the camera (said pics were later on facebook), that the little guys and gals didn't really have any time to just run after each other with balloons, like they should be able to. </p>