I wanted to send this out as it may be helpful to any parents who are planning a dual party in the near future. I actually haven’t heard a whole lot about this in Brooklyn—or maybe I’m just not around the right people—but I was asked to give my thoughts for an article on Care.com for how to successfully have a joint birthday party.
That is, a kid’s birthday party that is celebrated with another kid. At the same time.
It would be great if we could always give our children their own space on their special day, but the price tag for birthday parties (like everything else) continues to rise. There is also such a high level of competition out there among parents and it can be embarrassing to not meet the standards of other parties your children may be attending.
That said, you still get to choose how big a party you throw. Whether it’s you with a few friends in Prospect Park, just your parents in your one bedroom apartment, or going all out with the latest cartoon craze character and pony rides in the park remember that you’re supposed to enjoy the day too!
If you’re going for the big time and you think it’ll somehow be easier if you celebrate with another child and their family (or a sibling who has a nearby birthday) please check out this article on Care.com appropriately titled How to Throw a Joint Birthday Party.
PS It’s worth it just to check out the image they use!
Justin Lioi, LCSW is a men’s mental health and relationship expert. He practices counseling in Brooklyn, NY (and online throughout New York State and internationally.) He received his degree from New York University and has been working with men and their families for over 10 years. Justin is on the Board of the National Association of Social Workers and writes a weekly column for the Good Men Project called Unmasking Masculinity. He can be found on local and national podcasts talking about assertiveness, anger, self-compassion, all with the goal of becoming the man you want to be.