Couple Tells Kids Their Birthday Is On Different Day Each Year For Crucial Reason
Many parents see the logic and are considering doing the same.
For most people, birthdays are a big deal. It’s that special day each year when everything is about you—presents, parties, and spending time with loved ones. But what if your parents celebrated your birthday on a different day each year?
That’s precisely what Abbie and Callum Guy do for their two young children, Ava and George. Callum Guy is a footballer for Carlisle United, and his job often means he’s away from home, even on important days like his kids' birthdays.
Abbie and Callum devised a clever plan to ensure the whole family can celebrate together: they switch the dates of their kids’ birthdays each year to match Callum’s days off. He can enjoy the day with them, even if it’s not their actual birthday.
This idea started when Ava was turning two. Callum had an away game and couldn’t be there for her birthday. Instead of celebrating without him, Abbie moved the celebration to a day when Callum was home.
They had the party, the presents, and all the fun a few days before her birthday. Ava was too young to notice the difference, and the day was still special because her dad was there.
Since then, they’ve been doing this every year. Now, Ava is five, and George is three, and neither has figured out that their birthdays aren’t always on the same day each year.
This little white lie is worth it for Abbie and Callum because it allows them to make each birthday a day when the whole family can be together.
Abbie’s mom gave her the idea. When Abbie was growing up, her mom had a busy job and sometimes had to move special celebrations to different days. Abbie remembered how it didn’t matter to her as a child as long as they still had a fun day together.
So, on Ava’s fifth birthday, they did the same thing. Her actual birthday was on a Tuesday, but Callum had to work. So, they told Ava her birthday was on the Sunday before.
That Sunday, she woke up, opened her presents, had a big party with her friends, and enjoyed a special family dinner. She was happy and had no idea her birthday was a few days later.
Even though they’ve been doing this for three years, Abbie knows they won’t be able to keep it up forever. As Ava and George get older, they’ll start paying more attention to dates.
But for now, Abbie is happy to keep the tradition going because it makes their family life more manageable and ensures that Callum never misses out on these essential moments.
When Abbie shared this idea on TikTok, people had mixed reactions. Some thought it was strange, but many parents, especially those with demanding jobs, understood why she did it. They agreed that it’s more important for the kids to celebrate with both parents than to stick to the exact date.
Abbie and Callum devised a creative solution to ensure their dad would be able to celebrate his kids' birthdays.
DailymailThe couple has two children: Ava, who is five, and George, who is three.
DailymailAbbie and Callum think that creating a little fantasy for their kids is the best way to make the day feel truly magical.
Dailymail
Creative Celebrations and Family Dynamics
Experts in child psychology, like Dr. William Doherty, highlight the significance of family traditions in shaping children's identities. He states, "Celebrating birthdays on different days can teach children flexibility and resilience, which are essential skills in our ever-changing world." This approach encourages kids to prioritize experiences over rigid schedules, fostering adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Furthermore, Dr. Doherty notes that involving children in these decisions can enhance their sense of agency and belonging. Parents might consider discussing alternative celebrations with their children, allowing them to contribute ideas for special activities or themes, which can strengthen family bonds.
From a parenting perspective, flexibility in family celebrations can be advantageous. Positive Discipline advocates for adaptable parenting methods that respect individual family circumstances. When parents explain the reasoning behind celebrating on different days, they help children understand the importance of quality time over rigid adherence to tradition.
Moreover, parents can create a unique bonding experience by making the new birthday celebrations as memorable as possible. Engaging in themed activities or family outings can turn a non-traditional birthday into an unforgettable day filled with love and connection.
Abbie and Callum’s approach shows that sometimes, parents need to be flexible and creative. It’s not about following the rules but finding ways to ensure your kids feel loved and celebrated, even if that means celebrating on a different day. Thanks to their parents' clever solution, Ava and George's birthdays are still full of joy and magic.
Building Healthier Patterns
Ultimately, the approach taken by Abbie and Callum Guy offers a fresh perspective on family celebrations. By prioritizing togetherness over specific dates, they provide a valuable lesson in flexibility and adaptation. Experts emphasize the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence in children, which can be fostered through such creative family strategies.
Encouraging children to celebrate life’s moments, regardless of the calendar, can teach them to value experiences and relationships. As families navigate their unique dynamics, finding joy and meaning in these celebrations is what truly matters.