I'm a mom of 6 and don't throw birthday parties after age 1. Kids don't remember them and they are a waste of money.

I realized she didn't remember most of her parties. My oldest child... had almost no recollection of her birthday parties at all. Sure, she remembered they happened, but she couldn't tell me who attended... It felt like a punch to the gut.

I realized I had exhausted myself planning these elaborate events that she wouldn't recall later. It made me question the entire birthday party culture. Why do we go to such lengths for celebrations if the very person they're for doesn't remember them?

We now stick to a single birthday celebration for each child when they turn 1, inviting just close friends and family. This first birthday celebration became our way of marking their entrance into the world.

Read at Business Insider