The Art of Small Talk At Birthday Parties

There are many mixed rainbow emotions when it comes to children’s parties. I love the copious amount of sugar. I do not admit this to my daughter who you would think I deprive of all things sucrose related. She is that child with her head in a cupcake grasping on jelly tots and flings. Thinking perhaps I had deprived her I tried a different approach with child number 2 and guess what she too behaves as if she has been deprived of sugar.

There are many mixed rainbow emotions when it comes to children’s parties. I love the copious amount of sugar.

I do not admit this to my daughter who you would think I deprive of all things sucrose related. She is that child with her head in a cupcake grasping on jelly tots and flings. Thinking perhaps I had deprived her I tried a different approach with child number 2 and guess what she too behaves as if she has been deprived of sugar.

Emotions range from happy due to the sugar and adult company being present, to being nervous about what happens if I eat too much sugar and scare the adult company by either being super talkative or nursing a sugar low. And if there are adults, what do I say to sound like I am an in-control mother who has a clue, even if it is slightly skewered and covered in chaos?

The Birthday Party Scene

It is only now that I am able to attend a party and make small talk as my 2 year 10 month 12 day old snot flicker is much more independent. Before this I felt like a dodgy stalker. Not even a helicopter parent. All this as she screamed at me as if I was going to kidnap her, whilst happily giving away far too much personal family info. Also, her bowel movements are currently a hot topic for all who will listen, that is everyone but close family.

I have a problem, other than just that of jumping between stories and forgetting what I am saying. My problem is that I do not like people being alone and I am so desperate for grown up conversation,  all the while happy to be left in my crazy mind. See conflicted.

Here are small talk at birthday parties guidelines for when an awkward silence emerges:

• Do not talk about the weather – however this will be unavoidable so when this does come up consider asking what holidays are planned in the coming year?
• Politics well in South Africa I feel I can safely say this can make for interesting conversation and lively debate. Most would stay clear but I feel this could be a surprising go to topic. Possibly use the “Trump” card and bring in the States.
• Books and reading – this is great as it is fun to find more selection for adults and children alike.
• Food – I love food so any new recipes or helpful hints are always a go to for me.

Birthday Party Anxiety

My anxiety hits a lovely level 6 at the prospect of attending a party albeit short lived so I choose not to think about it too much. My biggest fear is ending up sitting in a corner singing Celine Deon ‘all by myself?” This is the whole point of the small talk at birthday parties pep talk!

Also … a few other things to be anxious about. Like … what does one wear to a party? What gift to get and what is considered acceptable to give? Anxiety levels are creeping up… excuse me while I go rock in the shower as I prepare for tomorrow.