Making ‘Four Eyes’ Fun for Everyone
Dear Penelope,
My daughter's 8th birthday is coming up, and she just got glasses. She hates them and is really embarrassed to have to wear them to her party. I wondered if you had any ideas for how to get her excited and make her birthday fun instead of embarrassing for her.
Patricia
Philadelphia, PA
Dear Patricia,
Growing up, I always wanted braces and glasses because my friends were getting them, and I remember actually lamenting the fact that I didn't need either one! I remember that one of my friends even had contacts when we were in middle school, and when she got them I thought I would die of jealousy. Looking back on those days, I've got just the party planning advice you need.
If your daughter is embarrassed to be the only one in glasses at her own birthday, why not make glasses the standard costume requirement for her 8 th birthday party? Tell your daughter's friends and their parents that their ticket in to the party is a pair of glasses, and find some funky ones for yourself. Lightly magnified reading glasses can be found at most drugstores for cheap, and novelty glasses (we're talking pink zebra stripes, 50s cat eye glasses) are sold all over most malls. Encourage your party guests to find the funkiest and most colorful glasses they can find, and set aside an extra large party favor for the guest with the best eyewear.
By making glasses your birthday party standard, you'll shift the focus off of your daughter and on to the fact that glasses can not only be cool, they can be fun. I remember having friends who bumped into things regularly because they were embarrassed to wear their glasses, while I would have given anything to have a pair of my own. Maybe some of your daughter's friends are the same way? Have an excellent party and wish your daughter a Happy Birthday!
Enjoy Planning.
Penelope
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