Sweet 16: My acronym relating to this milestone "A H.A.N.D.” Asprin- Happiness, Anxiety, Negotiations, Disbelief.

O.M.G 16! ALREADY??



I wanted to “fast forward” a bit to present day, as most of my posts have been about events from years ago in my parental experience.

Kaylah will be 16 years of age on April 18, 2011.  That is a few short weeks away from today.  I have yet to put the details together, as I am accustomed to having the details already complete for her previous birthdays.  I requested her input, after all it is her birthday, but Kaylah as carefree as she is in her everyday life, I shouldn’t have thought she was going to want this to be over the top.  She said whatever you want to do mom is fine.  Many of her friends that she has grown up with still live in our hometown of Brooklyn, New York.  Therefore, I am thinking of returning there, and having a small gathering to celebrate her journey from childhood to womanhood.

My acronym that I referenced above, stems less from Kaylah, and more from the websites I’ve visited in assisting with planning, a “Super Sweet 16”.  On many sites, there is no reference to a Sweet 16 anymore, thanks to shows of the same name on MTV, or VH1, displaying over the top celebrations.  I found this tip to be amusing taken from an event-planning page.  “To really complete the whole sweet sixteener theme make sure that you throw at least one ungrateful tantrum. I recommend not liking the car your parents gave you.”  (Braniac, 2011).  If Kaylah were raised with a sense of entitlement, I could see her attempting something like this, thank goodness she were raised to the contrary; appreciative, and a sense of humility.  There was other bullet points referenced, numbered from 1-6 on what to do for the big day.  Other notes were a “grand entrance on a helicopter, or an elephant”, or “a performer that costs more than people’s homes”.  (Braniac, 2011).  These suggestions are not atypical; however, they do come into play if you are planning a lavish ceremony.  Since I am more of a realist and I know what I can comfortably afford, I will save these events for the rich to be played out on television.

I have an idea of what her day will entail, dinner with family and friends, some cash, which she always enjoys, and perhaps dancing afterwards.  A statement that came from the World Wide Web had a valid point it said “While planning the party details, keep her personality in mind”.  (Walmart.com).  I agree that while you can get caught up in the excitement of planning it is important to remember who the special occasion is for.  If something is planned around what you think everyone else will enjoy that steals the joy away from the birthday girl, excuse me young woman’s big day. 

While the aspirin is on reserve for any last minute birthday requests, and Alka-Seltzer for any anxiety caused to my stomach, I am ready for this next chapter.  I am in disbelief that the years have flown by this quickly.  I will soon have a 16 year old.  I am flexible and understanding to her needs for her birthday and beyond.  This quote sums it up “Small details make wonderful memories, show her you care by going the extra mile”.  (Walmart.com).  I am so happy that I can create a memorable birthday for her that doesn’t equate to the amount of money I will spend.  Currently, I am counting down the days, so on the 18^th I can count her endless smiles. 

References

How to throw a my super sweet sixteen bash. (1999-2011). Ehow.com  Retrieved March 27, 2011 from http://www.ehow.com/how_4593895_throw-super-sweet-sixteen-bash.html.

Planning a sweet sixteen party. (n.d.). Walmart.com.  Retrieved March 27, 2011 from  http://instoresnow.walmart.com/article-print_ektid83675.aspx.