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In our over-scheduled and over-mediated world, it is easy for families to lose sight of good old fashioned fun. As a result, when it comes time for kids birthday parties, many parents opt for the easy way out and miss a golden opportunity to create a ritual that will bring their family and friends together, fire their childs imagination and have a great time in the process. Fortunately, there are many online resources available that can enable any parent to plan and execute great home-spun birthday parties, without overtaxing themselves.

Many parties have just become the act of plunking down large sums of money at an arcade, activity center or other venue that entertain the kids one-on-one with very little interaction between the guests and the birthday child. An old fashioned birthday party gives families a chance to plan an event that will highlight the birthday kids likes and interests.

Marking a milestone is an easy way to come together as a family and make lasting memories. A birthday party is not only a celebration of a new age, but a way to spend some fun time with your child and his/her friends. Including parents at the beginning or end of the party provides a way to touch base with them and have some time for conversation in a relaxed environment. Parents who know their childrens friends and their parents become more involved in their childs life.

A party can become much more than letting a group of kids loose in a loud and over-stimulating environment. Parents who grew up in the 1960s and 70s probably experienced a home spun party, with traditional, non-commercial themes, simple party games and projects. Kids imaginations were allowed to work, and everybody had a great time. Unfortunately, this type of party is becoming a lost art.

Unlike a video arcade or laser tag, an old fashioned party can provide cooperative games and projects where kids work and play together. Providing bithday pary rituals for a family can really help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories between generations.

Our experience as parents and party providers shows that kids really respond to homespun parties. They love to see themes played out in detail with invitations, decorations and activities that revolve around the theme. Kids are excited to do crafts, projects and games that involve their friends and let their imaginations soar. Becoming a Pirate, Princess, Spy or Astronaut for the afternoon ignites imaginary play that so many kids have gotten away from in favor of electronics, arcades and giant activity centers.

A study of family routines and rituals in the December 2005 issue of the American Psychological Association's (APA) Journal of Family Psychology, found that family routines and rituals are associated with marital satisfaction, adolescents' sense of personal identity, children's health, academic achievement and stronger family relationships.

Birthday parties are a ritual in which all family members can participate. By including kids in the planning process they will have the opportunity learn a lot of valuable lessons. They can get involved in making the guest list, plan the date and time and depending on their age, help with the budgeting. The themes for a party are endless and should reflect the interests of the birthday-boy or birthday-girl. Once a theme is chosen let the creativity begin! It's fun for all family members to work toward a common goal and host an unforgettable event.

There are many online resources available that makes planning a party a snap. From sites that have party ideas to online retailers that offer complete party kits, such as wholeshebangparties.com, there are resources to meet most familys needs and budgets.

So, when it's time for your child's birthday party this year plan ahead a little and create a ritual that will give them memories to last a life time and the satisfaction of being a part of the whole planning process. At the end of the day you'll be glad you did.