Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Milwaukee, WI

My husband comes from a family where birthdays were rarely celebrated with more than a cake and a birthday card. Presents were not encouraged. Parties were not had. We have a pretty strong difference of opinion on this. I enjoy presents. I think a four year old should have presents. There is nothing wrong with presents. To a point.

One of the things about day care is that you tend to become friends with co-daycare parents, whether you want to or not. We've been invited to more birthday parties already than I have as an adult so little man is EXPECTING a party. With presents (lots of them). Somewhere. With friends.

Did I mention he's turning four?

If I give in and have a party somewhere, what will I do when he is five? Eight? Ten? What will he expect next year? More friends? More presents? More SHINY BIRTHDAY MADNESS?

I feel as though this birthday is much like Christmas was for us this year. At three years old, Christmas presents and birthday presents were like an awesome surprise. He couldn't believe there were presents- for him! Really?

At four years old presents have become an assumption. A god-given right. A sure thing. I don't think I like that very much and no matter how I explain this away, he isn't listening.

I'm torn between spoiling him, (which I fear I have already done so I really should say spoiling him worse) by doing too much and disappointing him by doing too little. They are only babes for so long. I want to see him lose his mind among the balloons and the cake and the shredding of wrapping paper.

Or do I?

What do you do for birthdays? When is too early to start the gymnastics/indoor gym/extravaganza birthday party with friends? I don't know what to do and I'm running out of time..