Celebrate New Year’s Eve with your children

December 23, 2011

Celebrating New Year's Eve as a parent isn't always what it used to be, before you had kids and started pursuing a college education.

Expensive nights out at a local restaurant or club just aren't in the cards for many student parents, especially because doing so often means double the expense since you have to pay a babysitter as well.

Taking the kids out isn't realistic for many, either. After all, many New Year's festivities are scheduled to last until at least midnight so party-goers can celebrate the beginning of the actual New Year. Most parents can attest that keeping young kids out way past their bedtime is more of a nightmare than a reason to celebrate.

But there are many ways to celebrate the New Year's Eve holiday with kids, without spending a lot of money or anxiously anticipating a meltdown induced by a tired child. In fact, some parents will find that hosting a kid-friendly New Year's celebration can become a new family tradition.

Whether you invite some friends over or just celebrate as a family, activities like making a time capsule, constructing homemade noise-makers and preparing delicious foods together can really make the night special.

Having everyone dress up in their fanciest clothing can also add to the festive atmosphere.

"We're talking tutus and glitter nail polish for the girls, bow ties and striped socks for the boys. Make your little celebrants feel like they are part of a special night from the very beginning," party expert Abby Larson suggests via WorkingMother.com.

Instead of keeping little ones up until midnight, why not ring in the New Year at their usual bedtime, complete with a countdown? FamilyFun.Go.com suggests ringing in the New Year of a city in another (earlier) time zone instead. After all, it will be 2012 when they wake up the next morning!

Everyone can use their handmade noise makers to celebrate, or you can put some bubble wrap on the floor and let the kids stomp on it to make noise.
Another way to celebrate includes discussing everyone's resolutions and hopes for year ahead.

Whether you want to lose weight, exercise more often, eat healthier, give up a bad habit or get your finances in order, remember that pursuing a college education is something that will benefit your entire family in the long run.

Luckily, your financial health doesn't have to suffer because of your decision to continue your education. Grants for parents, single mother scholarships and other college scholarships can help mothers who want to obtain a degree do so without accruing too much debt.
 

Be Sociable, Share!

Comments are closed.