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Men at a baby shower? Why not!
The co-ed baby shower is becoming a more common event, perfectly in keeping with changing times and parenting roles. The increasing number of men who now stay home to look after baby while Mum returns to work is a stark example of how times have changed; and the rituals surrounding an impending birth have started to change with them. So, if you believe a ‘His ‘n Hers’ baby shower best suits your circumstances, and best reflects your attitude to pregnancy, go right ahead and do it. By following a few tips your baby shower with a difference will be enjoyed by Jack as well as Jill!
Round Up Other Men
Being the only man at a baby shower will probably dent his masculine pride and make him feel just a tad awkward, so enlist the help of your friends and tell them to bring their partners as well. The menfolk may not wish to participate in all the activities but as long as there are other guys there to talk sport etc with, all should be well. Speaking of which, it’s best not to schedule your shower to coincide with a major sporting event unless, of course, you’re happy to have the TV on in the background!
Also, make sure your invites are gender non-specific – go easy on the florals, flounces, and love hearts – and inclusive of him and her.
Unisex Entertainment….
Parlor games used to be a big part of the ladies only baby shower but they might not be to the taste of all your guests at a co-ed baby shower. Games with broader appeal might include ‘build a baby’ competitions (making a baby out of Play Doh, common craft items etc) diaper changing competitions (on a doll, of course), a baby bottle drinking competition to see who can drink a bottle of juice (or beer to make it particularly man-tastic!) in the fastest time, or an assembly competition to determine who can put together a baby’s toy in world record time!
…And Food
Dainty sandwiches and fairy cakes might have been fine in the traditional baby shower era, but when we are sharing the event with men it is a good idea to broaden the menu. Something a little heartier is called for when catering to bigger appetites, but whilst the portions are larger you can still keep it classy.
His Shower, Your Shower
If you are a traditionalist at heart, you can still incorporate time-honored baby shower elements into your event. The first part of the baby shower can be held in the traditional way, with the ladies enjoying parlor games and fancy food, before the men join you for the rest of the celebrations and some more male-friendly festivities. This gives you a chance to experience a traditional baby shower, and a break with convention, in one fun-filled event!
Before you plan anything, be doubly sure he really wants to make this a co-ed shower. Sure some dads-to-be want to experience every single moment of the parenthood journey, however, he might be going along with the idea as a show of support if it was your suggestion. Is he really comfortable with breaking convention by actually being there? If you sense some diffidence or awkwardness on his behalf, you may be better off sticking to a more traditional shower.
Author bio: Ngaire Stirling owns Brisbane Kids http://www.brisbanekids.com.au Brisbane’s largest parenting community, and is a well respected authority on tackling the big parenting issues, head on! Ngaire’s website is visited by over 100000 people per month and around 1 in 10 Brisbane families regularly rely on it for advice and up-to-date information on things to do in Brisbane with kids.
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