Some New Year's Eve celebrations are catering to children

With its late hours and adult-oriented activities, there's not typically a lot for children to celebrate on New Year's Eve.

Some area families have turned the tables on tradition and formed their own, child-friendly rituals for ringing in the New Year. Several local organizations are holding events that cater to that generation.

The Wesley United Methodist Church will hold a lock-in from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for members of its junior high and senior high youth groups.

"Kids need something to do on New Year's Eve. Parents often get together with other parents, and leave their kids unsupervised," said the Rev. Eric Schmitt.

Schmitt said the youth group members are allowed to bring a friend or two, and the night's activities include playing games, eating pizza and a time of worship.

"This gives parents the option of leaving their kids in a safe, secure place, and it keeps kids out of trouble," Schmitt said.

While there's nothing really wrong with keeping children up until midnight on New Years' Eve, it may result in some grumpiness the following day, said Becky Peters, a counselor at South Elementary in Jackson.

"It's important to make sure there's nothing planned for the next day so they can sleep in," Peters said. "As far as throwing off their schedules, it's the holidays, so kids' schedules are already off."

And keep age in mind. A celebration could be a waste of time for those too young to realize what's going on.

"Students in third grade and up will be more aware of what you're celebrating," Peters said. "It's also important to consider the environment you're celebrating it in."

'Thought it was really cool'

With a son in third grade and a daughter in fifth grade, Peters said her household has its own New Year's Eve tradition, which started just last year.

"Our activities center around the kids. We play games, things like that. My kids thought it was really cool to stay up until midnight," Peters said.

Christina Ervin of Cape Girardeau said she and her husband are generally in bed before midnight on New Year's Eve, but their 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter stay awake.

"Early in the evening, we try to get together with friends and family, maybe play some games," Ervin said. "Then we'll go to bed and the kids might watch a New Year's special on television or something."

For younger children, Southeast Missouri State University, through its gymnastics program, will hold a Kids' Night Out from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

Assistant gymnastics coach Tom Farden is heading the event, which is open to children ages 5 to 13. Farden said there will be obstacles courses, gymnastics, games, movies and snacks.

"This gives parents a chance to drop their kids off and go have fun. There aren't really any alternatives in Cape for this age group," Farden said.

The event costs $25 per child, and will take place in Room 214 of the Parker building on the Southeast campus. Parents must preregister and may do so by calling Farden at (573) 579-3601 or (573) 986-7343.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

Looking for ideas?

Ideas and suggestions for including children in New Year's Eve celebrations can be found on the Net at:

www.kidsturncentral.com

www.familyfun.com

www.parentsoup.com