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Your child’s fifth birthday is one of the great milestones of her life. This may be the first birthday she actually remembers, so you need to make it extra special.

First, get her opinions and find out what kind of party your child wants, and when you can, do what she asks. It’s her special day, and she deserves special treatment. So, when she asks for something, if you can, let her have it. It’s okay to splurge a little. If she wants a particular type of decor, by all means let her pick it out. Creativity is something every child should develop, and letting her have a measure of creative control will teach her how her actions can change the world. This is true even if those changes are only tiny ones that don’t last very long. The party itself can let her develop self-confidence.

When it comes to birthday gifts, maybe your child wants American Girl doll clothes. Maybe she wants an outfit or two for herself. Listen carefully as your child describes what gifts top her list for this birthday. This is about more than just showing off the kinds of gifts you can afford to give. These gifts can provide an inspiration to your child and plant the seeds for future development. As a child grows older, the clothes she wore, even at a young age, or the outfits she put on her doll will help her develop and cultivate her own style. It’s clear that a fifth birthday is a celebration that requires thought and planning from both the child and parents.