1. Ways to Make Your Child's Birthday More Special 2. One thing many counselors who work at a day camp for kids see is that when it is a child's birthday the event gets mixed into the day. 3. While this is fine, especially since parents have plans for the weekend or even that night, the truth is that children's birthdays are only very special to them for a certain number of years. 4. For this reason we think it's a great idea to make a big deal out of your child's special day and encourage others to do so, as well. 5. This can include making the birthday an event that begins the night before. 6. It will take some planning, but it is the kind of thing we do for the people we love. 7. Starting the Birthday the Night Before 8. When we say that the birthday starts early, we don't mean that you let your child open a present, or that you should get into the tradition of celebrating a birthday-eve. 9. Instead, you can prep your child for the next day at dinner that evening by asking what he or she would like to eat the next night. 10. During this conversation you can tell him that if he gets to bed on time there will be a surprise in the morning. 11. This surprise can include a special breakfast (pancakes instead of cereal, perhaps), opening a present, or extra time to play or watch a show before going to camp. 12. With this in mind, your child will be motivated for his special day. 13. A Special Ending to a Great Day 14. If you pick your child up from school, you can stop somewhere for him to pick out a present, get a movie to watch, or even choose a favorite drink to go with dinner. 15. This can be a big deal in homes that don't allow soda or sugary, non-juice drinks. 16. At home there can be balloons waiting at the front door and maybe even a sign. 17. By including these festive details you can add something extra to the day. 18. From there it is the usual birthday dinner with dessert and some presents. 19. If there's time, maybe the family can watch a movie or show together, or even play a game. 20. There are many ways to make your child's birthday even more special than it already is. 21. By making his or her day an all-day event, you can be sure it will be a memory that lasts a lifetime! 22. On the weekend, give your child a fun birthday party at Maplewood. It will include organized activities and games. 23. Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, sports, rock climbing, gymnastics and more. 24. Visit the site at http://www.maplewoodyearround.com/year-round- programs/birthday-camp-celebrations/ to see the fun your child will have at a Maplewood Birthday Party. 25. 150 Foundry St. (Route 106) PO Box 88 (Mailing) South Easton, MA 02375 Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com Telephone: (508) 238-2387 FAX: (508) 238-1154 MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP AND ENRICHMENT CENTER 26. http://freedigitalphotos.net http://all-free-download.com Photo Credits