MOMania

By No; none; not very...

December 31, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

…whenever they can stay up that late; absolutely!

Be safe out there and Happy New Year!

By Stacey

December 31, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

We always attend the Watch Night Service at church NYE. It starts at 10:00 and we usually we get out around 12:30. They have a seperate service for the teens but the kids stay with the parents as they generally fall asleep before midnight (my son will be sleep by 10:30). My pastor always includes a prayer for safe passage home in his benediction so maybe he worries about drunk drivers. We are usually home by 1 a.m. so I figure most people are still partying at that time.

Tomorrow I will cook the traditional blackeyed peas & collards and plan to relax and read while my husband watches football. I love watching the parades on TV but my son has outgrown them so I will be watching them by myself this year.

Happy New Year!!!!

By Stacey

December 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

For as long as I can remember we were allowed to stay up to watch the ball drop on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rocking Eve. We would actually take a nap so we could be awake to do the count down and Mama would let us drink grape juice out of here wine glasses for a toast. My sister was allowed to go outside and shoot Daddy’s gun in the air. I grew up in Mississippi so that was the thing to do then (and probably still is).

By motherjanegoose

December 31, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

My husband and son just left to see UGA play Michigan in Orlando. My son had tickets and invited his Dad to join him, as his Christmas gift.

My daughter and I will spend the night with my sister and both dogs too. We are going out to dinner and then watch movies.

We are not party animals and we just enjoy being with those we love.
I remember a couple that attended a party in their own neighborbood and on the way home they were hit by a drunken driver and the father ended up in a wheel chair the rest of his life.

Be careful everyone, people are NUTS out there. I am so sad for the family who lost their daughter last week as she left the movie on Christmas night…to a drunk driver. It is a shame that the driver had priors and he was still out there.

I think it is awesome for those who think of things for families.

Our little church in Texas always had a potluck dinner, music, and then group games/skits. We only had about 200 members and so we could all get together if we wanted. It was something we looked forward to in a small town where there were not many options. Probably seems countryish but it was the country and this is how they do things.

By K&K'S Mom

December 31, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

In years past my husband and I would ring in the new year with the children either at church or at home, although they would be sleep by 10:00 p.m., not because we made them go to bed, but because they couldn’t hang. However this year we decided to do something different, so we are going to our favorite B&B for some adults-only R&R. We will leave in about an hour and head to the N.Ga mountians, near Helen. We’ll go wine tasting and have dinner at a steakhouse and end the evening with homemade desserts, snacks and champange with the innkeepers and other guests.

We figure that Christmas has been all about the children so this is our opportunity to take some time out to focus on us, mom and dad.

By DB

December 31, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

When our children were 3 and 1, a lot of our friends had kids at a similar age — between six families, almost all of them were under 4. We were all young parents, and we were all in a constant state of exhaustion :-)

We had an “early” New Year’s Even that year — all the families were invited, we had a dinner, played some games, and then we counted down to midnight, blew noisemakers and everyone went home, happy as clams.

Of course, the kids couldn’t tell time at that point, and didn’t realize we had set the clocks back to 8 pm. :-) By 9, everyone was home, happy, and in bed. And the parents could cuddle up in front of the TV and do … whatever. :-)

By Numbers Guy

December 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I’ll probably be up at midnight to quietly greet the new year, but I rarely go out on New Year’s Eve. Too many idiots on the road with a few too many belts in them. Life is a risk, but why go out of your way to take one?

The boy is going to spend the night with his grandparents this year. I’m quite sure they’ll let him stay up til the hour.

By motherjanegoose

December 31, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

DB…I did not want to admit that WE did the very thing with the clocks one year too…only it was 10:00 and my husband and I were exhausted…we could not fathom another 2 hours until countdown.

The kids were too little to know better and we all got some rest…LOL. 10:15 became 11:45 as quick as a wink!

My daughter just read this over my shoulder and is frowning at me…she is 16.

By Destiny

December 31, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I’m looking forward to an evening playing cards with my sister and her husband along with mine. The kids will watch High School Musical with their snack buffet and sparkling grape juice.

By Mr. Nice Guy

December 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

New Years Eve is ment for adults, booze and letting your hair down - not coloring books, Wiggles, temper tantrums, etc.

If you want to make it a kiddy party that’s cool, but New Years Eve is 100% adult.

Believe it or not parents, its not “all about your kids” all the time.

By margied

December 31, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

about 23 years ago we started a family New Years Eve party to keep everyone off the road. I would fix the main dish and every one would bring a side. It would be BYOB The children would play game and the adults would have their own games .It has worked so well that the children that were 3 and 4 at the time are now bringing their children. Now we have parents, Grandparents and children. It is a great way to start off the New Year. Some years we would only have 10 people and some as many as 40. This year we ask everyone to come in pajamas One friend said that she could just fall in to bed at the end of the night and all the children would be ready for bed. Every one have a safe New Year

By K&K's Mom

December 31, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

That’s right Mr. Nice Guy, you’ve gotta take that time for mom and dad.

Everyone knows that the secret to any successful family and well rounded children,is a fulfilled mom and dad.

By cj

December 31, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, in this economy, paying for a sitter for 3 kids plus for dinner out is something some can’t afford, especially when one person has just lost their job.

By Chele

December 31, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

We are planning a family oriented NYE party. We have friends and family coming over with their children. We are suppling the appetizers and champagne for toasting (sparkling juice for kids) and it is a BYOB. There are games planned for both kids and adults together but the adults have an area and the kids have their own area as well. In the kids room we have a stereo, their own appetizers, a WII, and art supplies. This is our 2nd year hosting a party like this and I recommend it for anypne that has the space. For any families that get tired or drink too much we ask that they bring sleeping bags.

By new mom

December 31, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Well our only babysitters so far (my mom and dad) always get together with their friends on NYE, a long-standing tradition. So we don’t have babysitters, and really didn’t have plans anyway. Maybe someday we’ll find a family party that we could go to, or host one in our neighborhood. Theresa, want to post directions to yours? ha ha ;)

But I do agree, I don’t like the idea of being out on the roads with who knows who, drinking who knows what.

By LM

December 31, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

This NYE I am alone. BF has left for TN to work on the rental property (I would have gone but have to work Friday) and my daughter is spending NYE with her BF, the only condition is she is not to drive and if they want to stay out past 10:30, I will come pick her up. I trust her and he is a good young man so I feel she will be safe other than worried about other drivers.

By MA

December 31, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Our kids are older now, so, they do their own thing, watching t.v., on the computer, whatever, but, we usually go to bed by 9:00 and are then awakened by the guns and fireworks going off.

By motherjanegoose

December 31, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Mr. Nice Guy…I certainly agree with you that it is not all about your kids all the time. That is a big mistake some couples make…BUT… if you are not into booze, you may not care to be where everyone is imbibing and thus spending it with your family is perfectly fine.

Really…spending it any way you want is fine, as long as it is legal and safe.

Some adults cannot understand having any fun unless they are drinking but that is another story and a message that gets sent to their children…this would be a family on our block and I am waiting to see what happens in 3-5 years with their pre-teens.

I think it is up to each individual family and as long as they make time for adult only R and R, then let them celebrate how they want tonight…as long as they are safe.

I imagine it is lonely for anyone to stay home by themselves but I also know that some people are always ready to go somewhere else but never host venues in return.

I try to host venues and have friends over to our house periodically but entertaining seems to be a dying art. Kudos to those who are making plans to have others over for some fun! It is not too expensive when you ask everyone to bring a snack and/or a beverage….l$10.

By tlc

December 31, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Mothergoose, my family has always had parties with alcohol (every party) and our kids turned out just fine. Only 1 out of the 3 even drink casually so don’t hold your breath that this family will fail at parenting. I can’t stand snotty know it all people like you that think just because you drink your kids are gonna be shot out. Most people with these views are closet valium poppers anyway. Had your meds today?

By motherjanegoose

December 31, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

You are correct…both my in laws were alcoholics and none of their children drink much now but there are loads of stories when they were in High School.

I am just saying that it COULD set a precedent.

I ran into someone this summer who asked me where I lived and when I told her, she informed me that our neighborhood has a reputation for partiers and asked me if I knew * who live on my block. Their reputation preceeds them in our county.

My husband and I were just talking about parties this week. He remembers his siblings being invited to all parties their parents threw, since they were the bartenders. They knew how to mix most drinks for every event by the time they were 12 and were often left in the car to wait for their parents ( alone) while they partied at the VFW.

I read an article about this very topic last week in the AJC ( shared by those who may know a LOT more than I do) and the article stated that parents should alternate between parties with alcohol and parties without so that children would see that both can be good. I think balance is important but I may certainly be the only one….

Personally,I am talking about those who get blasted at every chance to celebrate…not those who enjoy a drink. Sorry if I hit a nerve with you.

I take vitamins…thanks for asking. My son told me yesterday that I am one of few women he knows at age 49 plus that takes no medication…he is a Senior Pharmacy Tech.

By motherjanegoose

December 31, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Quick comment that I have been thinking about…kids who are drinking too young today and driving in the metro are NOT taking the same risks as those ( like my husband) who drove drunk ( wrongly) on the farm in the midwest in the 1970’s. You might hit a cow, ditch or a tree but you would not be on a major road or the interstate.

Several years ago we saw a drunk driver swerve UNDER a semi ( sparks were flying and she was lucky she did not sever her head) at 10;30 p.m. on New Years Eve.

THIS is what I am worried about with the tweens I know and referred to earlier.

Be careful everyone and stay safe!

By paige

December 31, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

We have a neighborhood party. We leave all of the kids at one house in the basement playroom with a hired babysitter and the adults are all going to the club house. We hired a DJ and have it catered. $25 dollars a couple and BYOB. That way we can at least all walk home. Got to go! Have a great New year everyone!

By deidre_NC

January 1, 2009 7:28 AM | Link to this

happy new year everyone! i went to bed early-i have to work today…several people called me to say happy new year at midnight!! thanks yall! lol…my kids went to a friends house where they spent the night so as to not be on the road with so many drunk drivers…we have almost always had home parties…never have liked to travel on that deadly night…

By JATL

January 1, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

We had a family friendly party last night. I hired two sitters to hang with the toddlers in the basement so the adults could mix and mingle and have some fun. Most people with small children left by 10, and I put my little ones to bed at that time, but the other adults and my husband and I continued the party well past midnight! It was a great night!

By mombie alert!

January 1, 2009 1:38 PM | Link to this

why bother going to a new years party if you know going into it you will be leaving to leave at 10? just to attempt to prove your a better mombie…i mean mommy than everyone else there? truly WTF!

By JATL

January 1, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

Mombie alert -some folks don’t get to go out very often because they can’t afford sitters, so the opportunity to come to a party for a few hours where a sitter is provided is better than doing nothing at all! Also, people with small children and infants are usually TIRED -they may want a glass of wine or two and some appetizers and socializing for a couple of hours, but by 10 or 11, they need sleep until it’s time for the next feeding.

As far as drinking with your kids around -you should show balance. If you like to drink alchohol -have it at parties, but do plenty of other things that don’t involve drinking with your kids too. I think either extreme of too much or making it a horrible thing causes a lot of teenage binge drinking.

By FCM

January 2, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this

new mom—-made your cake last night. Brought it to the office as we have a major day ahead—and the stress cake seemed to fit the bill. I used Chocolate Fudge cake and Devil’s food pudding. I also put in the white and milk chocolate swirl chips.

I will let you know what the office crew says but it SMELLED awesome in the oven!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE BLOG FAMILY!!!!

BTW—growing up my parents put a ‘buffet’ together for the sitter and us kids when they went out on New Year’s. They felt we should get a party too.

By FCM

January 2, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

New Mom—-It’s da bomb!!!! The whole office is going nuts over the cake.

By Rod

January 2, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

Seriously, Theresa, you call that a family-friendly party? That’s an odd view of family-friendly. Poker, BYOB and kids. Seriously? That’s wayyyy screwed up. If you want your kids with you, then go somewhere that isn’t going to have a bunch of drunks. Your kids are impressionable - you’re teaching them to get drink and get drunk to celebrate New Years (even if you’re not drunk, others there will be).

If you want to go to a BYOB and drink, DON’T TAKE YOUR KIDS!!! Surely, that’s not hard to understand! Dancing in one room, poker in another room, which room is the swinging going on in?

I love what paige is doing with the neighborhood party. Kids get their own party, adults get their own and the two don’t mix! Also, you can walk home.

By new mom

January 2, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

Hi all, Happy New Year!

FCM—I’m glad everyone is enjoying the cake. Your addition of the swirl chips sounds fun too!

We just hung out here on NYE, but I made some cookies and gave our 15 mth old her first one. I told her it was something special for new years. She said thank you mommy, that’s very thoughtful, it’s delicious! Actually she just carried it around with her nibbling on it, savoring it for a half hour. It was fun to watch ;)

By ManOfTeal

January 2, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

My New Years Eve was both adult and kid friendly. The adults had the upstairs to themselves with the alcohol and the kids played downstairs in the basement with all the toys….no problems.

By Staci

January 2, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

We invite a few family & friends over every year - and kids are welcome. We have snacks & games & movies for the kids upstairs. Adults do games (karaoke, Rock Band, etc.) in the basement. Some of the adults smoke - so kids are not allowed in the basement. Adults are regularly upstairs checking on the kids though. My 3 kids (7, 8, 10) love it. This year all 3 managed to stay up past midnight. I sent the oldest 2 to bed when I turned in at 2am. My youngest was happy to make it to midnight for the first year ever, and had already put herself to bed!

By Staci

January 2, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

ps-

We provide the food, and then its BYOB. I do buy a bottle of sparkling cider for the kids. (And anyone who wants to share in a midnight toast but is not drinking.)

Its also a standing rule that no one leaves unless there is a designated driver. We have a couch, armchair, inflatable mattress, and a futon that are put to good use. Most leave the next morning around 5-6am.

By Staci

January 2, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

Still catching up on the other posts… Talking with your kids about alcohol - about drinking responsibly and in moderation - are important topics. I drink sometimes when we have friends over, my husband may have a few beers when we go out to dinner or at home watching a game. We don’t hide it from them, and its not a big deal. And my kids understand why I drive if DH does have a beer with dinner.

I think the bigger problem comes in when kids grow up thinking there is shame involved with alcohol and they are not taught about responsibility.