I just read a question that stated they were planning their daughters 16th already, & its in 2008! I've seen the t.v shows where the kids get a $100,000 dollar party plus a car, but thought that was few and far between. Especially as it looked like the parents really couldn't afford it. Do people really spoil their kids that much - & is it the most important birthday someone can have?
2007-01-24 07:43:41 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
i realise that they were not televising the average birthday, but these were not super rich parents. It was like their kids life depended on having the biggest and best party, even it meant them going without.
2007-01-24 08:00:29 · update #1
o.k i get the driving thing, but its weird coz 17 is the legal age in the u.k and it is just a normal birthday.
2007-01-24 08:03:25 · update #2
alot of people do make a big deal of out the sweet 16. I think it's over rated. Oh and that stuff you see on tv is sooooooo over rated. Those kind of shows piss me off because those kids are such brats. If my kids treated me like those kids do, they wouldn't get a thing from me.
2007-01-24 08:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The birthday party standard is getting higher and higher for all ages, it seems -- even toddlers have lavish parties in some communities. These days, it seems like every birthday is considered a big deal by parents, who are probably either trying to make up for not giving enough attention to their kids by throwing lavish parties and/or trying to compete with what other parents are doing.
In the Mexican community, turning 15 is the time when a big party is given for girls -- and it is the equivalent (or used to be) of saying "I'm putting my daughter out there for courtship and marriage." I think traditionally the Sweet Sixteen parties were the Anglo equivalent -- it used to be that parents wouldn't let their kids date until they were 16. That is still true in some households.
But really, that's limited to parents who can afford it -- there are a whole lot of people out there who simply can't afford that, or have enough sense not to spend that kind of money on a party when college expenses are just around the corner (not to mention weddings...)
When I turned 16, the big deal was finally being old enough to get a driver's license, and I think that's still what makes this date special for many teenagers.
2007-01-24 08:32:41 · answer #2 · answered by Corinnique 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in the United States. In the state of Alabama. The 16th birthday is a huge deal! Its like looking forward to your first kiss or first date. Its as normal to "plan" in advance for your 16th b-day as planning an outfit for a big night out. Most parents and kids plan it together, but only the rich kids get 100,000 dollar parties. Most teenagers who are in averge normal households may spend about five hundred dollars on food, drinks, music or entertainment. (more if you get a live band. ) Thats for a big party! BUT---most kids just "inheritate" their parents used car LOL or if they make good grades on their report cards and are "good" kids the parents may buy them a Brand New Car with an understanding that as long as they work and stay in school, they can keep their car and freedom to date, and go out with friends. !6 usually means FREEDOM!!! & if you dont get a car, a friend usually will, and thats almost as good!!
2007-01-24 08:02:58 · answer #3 · answered by HappyGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the people I guess. Mostly it's a big deal for famlies with money who can afford to buy thier kids thier first car. My family isn't wealthy and couldn't afford even a moderately big bash for my "sweet 16." I had a home made cake, ice cream, and pizza with my family. Most people I know also spent their 16th birthday this way.
I think it's sad that "My Super Sweet 16" gives American such a bad view to other countries.
2007-01-24 08:25:39 · answer #4 · answered by serena_dee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These particular cases are about children born with a silver spoon in their mouths. They willl never have to work a day in their lives and have everything handed to them. The average person does not get spoiled that much. 16 is a significant birthday because in most states you are able to legally drive. 18 is big because you are legal and may die for yours country, and buy smokes. And 21 is big because of the drinking.
2007-01-24 07:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by davinm23 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No this is not normal at all!! In my whole high school which was big for the area I new of one girl who got a car, just one!!
Most of the time from what I had noticed typical Americans only do this to show off. If the American is from another country this is a different story.
2007-01-24 08:58:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if the person was really wealthy. My sixteenth birthday was pretty much the same as other birthdays. Homemade cake about 2 or 3 gifts. Really boring. Only the rich or those that are desparate to have more social status have a huge party.
2007-01-24 08:22:54 · answer #7 · answered by missgigglebunny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think 21 is the most important birthdays, sweet 16s are cute and all but all those ridiculously big parties are just part of a poplularity contest in their schools and tradition has gone out the window.
2007-01-24 07:52:18 · answer #8 · answered by lilstephybelle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately....People really do spoil their kids that much!!
NO...I do know think its the most important birthday a person can have. Although in some states it does allow you to drive, which is a mild stone in your life.
2007-01-24 07:55:48 · answer #9 · answered by nuroticmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, it's not that big a deal for everyone, it's great cause you can drive, but thats it for most people.
i had a cookout with my close friends and family, and got a used $2,000 car. (i'm now 23 and very happy i wasn't spoiled)
i think there are many days that are more important, 18th birthday, 21st birthday, graduation day, wedding day.
2007-01-24 07:54:00 · answer #10 · answered by TN girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋