My Kiwi Kids

When I brought Rose to her friend’s house for a birthday party, she ran straight in and followed a couple of other excited kids who were running around the house, exploring the place. The Mum said I’m welcome to stay or if I had something to do, I can leave Rose as well. Then Rose rushed back, almost bumping into me. She stopped to give me a hug then said “Bye Mum!”

So I left her there, knowing pretty well what the kids are likely to do and have for the party. I remember one parent telling me (on another birthday party) during pick up, saying “He’s had fun and is all sugared up.” It was in one of the birthday parties that Max went to. It makes me think that’s the recipe for success: lots of playtime and plenty of sweets!

When my kids were younger, I remember them looking for toys at a house with no kids. I think they assumed that even if you’re an adult, you’d still have toys lying around the house.

I find myself amazed with how my children find it to be a natural thing to be able to play with other kids. (That’s because I’m terribly shy as a kid!) At the playground, they end up talking to and playing with other kids who they just met. While observing them, it’s as if they know each other from school. Funny though that Max wouldn’t initially bother with asking their names. So when asked, he’d just give a shrug and say that he doesn’t know who he was playing with. As he got older though, he’s learned to ask for the name at least. Sometimes, he’d find out which school or club they go to. Rose is the same.

Since my children started going to Primary school, our lives completely changed and our calendar is now in sync with the school calendar. Like other families, we book our family holidays during school holidays. I rely on school holiday programs where they offer free or discounted activities for families with children. It's normal to see fathers or grandparents (not just mothers) to be pushing a pram, or walking the kids around the neighbourhood, and to the park. There are events and venues that are especially catered for families with kids, especially during the school holidays. Or maybe it’s coz I’m always on a lookout for events/ places where I can bring the kids.

My kids (now aged 7 and 9) also understand the concept of gay relationships. They would ask me with the curiosity and innocence of a child. I simply replied matter-of-fact that it happens and it's ok. I was asked by Rose one day if a man can marry another man, same with a woman. I said yes, but that's only in New Zealand. Then she said (in a matter-of-fact tone) that her classmate's Mom is married to another woman. 

As the kids grow, I do pick up useful insights and practical tips from fellow parents, especially from my colleagues whose kids are much older. We do take the opportunity for the kids to have access to a variety of things to help expand their skills and experience. It’s great to see the kids enjoying themselves being kids, being aware of the rich diversity around them. I’m hoping they’d carry on with their endless imaginative play, their yearning for outdoor play, be immersed with books, making comic strips or writing stories. Everyday is always an adventure with them.

Children's birthday parties are really just for kids

We just finished a 7^th birthday party for my daughter yesterday. Can’t believe she’s 7! She was just 18 months when she arrived here in NZ. Oh how time flies!

Her birthday’s on a Saturday. I put up some banners by the dining room wall, wrapped a birthday gift (plush toys) and left it on the dinner table overnight. It was good surprise for her, but then I didn’t have a birthday cake yet! So we just took some leftover banana bread, stuck a candle on it and sang happy birthday to her. That was past 7am while she was trying to finish her breakfast. Then we rushed to Phyllis Reserve where she played 7^th grade soccer at 8am. After the game, she handed out some treats to her teammates (Freddo chocolate frogs). Each kid had a piece.

On our way back, we went straight to St. Lukes mall to do her eye check at OPSM. Then to Countdown to get some ingredients for the cake and our meals that weekend. At home, I made baked pasta twist. Then following a very basic recipe, my daughter and I were able to put together a birthday cake.

Rose's Forest Cake with shooting stars and torches

My son had an 11am soccer game at Beachlands, that’s half an hour away so he and hubby were back late. They bought KFC bucket as an added treat for the birthday lunch. Then I just let the kids watch a movie, and skipped their 2pm swimming lessons. It’s been raining on and off that day so not good to be outdoors. At 3pm, we picked up the chipmunk cake that I ordered for the party the next day. We had the cake for afternoon tea and then just leftovers for dinner.

Here's the Chipmunk cake that I ordered from City Cake Company

The next day, Sunday, we heard mass at 10am. I made soup from the remaining mustasa leaves for lunch. Hubby did a batch of washing, vacuumed the lounge and cleaned the toilet, while the kids played. We left for Chipmunks at 1:35pm for the party. The kids arrived in trickles from 2pm onwards. Upon arrival, they just took off their shoes and went straight to the play areas. As usual, the parents just dropped their kids off.

The kids were just running around and enjoyed the place, while hubby tried to take photos. A little after 3pm, we were called to the party room as the food was being served. Charlie, the mascot seemed to have taken longer than usual to get ready to bring the cake so we decided to bring it in ourselves. Rose’s cake had a chipmunk on top. Interesting how the kids seemed to be more interested in eating parts of the chipmunk, same as Rose. She happily shared.

Finally, Charlie the chipmunk managed to show up and cheer the kids. After a few photos, and eating a few more, the kids slowly disappeared from the party room and ran straight back to the play areas. I’m glad my Filipino friends were there as their presence provided me with some much needed support. And we managed to do a bit of catching up too while their kids were busy playing.

Rose was very happy and enjoyed the party. We headed home just after 4pm. Rose’s excitement continued with opening her presents. Even Max enjoyed his loot bag especially the few treats that I’ve tucked in there. At the end of the day, the kids were both smiling as they happily prepared their things for school the next day.

Just last month, we had a Nerf War party for Max’s 9^th birthday. It’s the same experience, the birthday party itself is really just playing with their friends. They didn’t eat that much but spent most of the time playing.

Both kids had been to a few other birthday parties, even play dates as well this year. And it’s interesting how the parents would tell me that now I can take some time off while my child’s in that party/ play date. I suppose it meant a break from parenting during that time. 

As a child, birthdays meant having spaghetti, or pancit, maybe fried chicken and some fizzy drink. We didn't have an oven and cakes only became affordable when I was an adult. And the children's parties in Manila meant inviting not just the kids, but their parents, the rest of the family as well. It was a feast, with maybe some games and the birthday kid sitting awkwardly in front of everyone. Unlike here, it seems so simple, brief and yet fun all at the same time.

A Birthday Party

They say, what the children will remember the most are the activities that they did during the party. My son's 7th birthday was simple but fun. The kids spent an hour at the YMCA stadium where there's a range of circuit, sport and and gym activities already laid out. The kids loved it and wanted to stay longer. Afterwards, they all went to the party room for the food. The fruit kebabs, sausages and fairy bread were a hit. They didn't like the cheese twisties nor the brownies. The lollies disappeared too quick for me to notice. After blowing the birthday cake, there kids were eager to go outside. Some played with light sabers and eventually, they all went to the flying fox. As it was getting cold and I had only 15 minutes left before pick up/ closing, I ferried them all back to the room. They asked for games but I didn't have one ready. So I gave them the loot bag since it's got a balloon and a toy inside. It kept them occupied until the parents arrived. It was a bit of a mad rush as we had to clear up the room right away as well. So that was just 2 hours. It felt longer but looking back, it was just right. I'm glad the kids came and that everyone had a blast.