A 13th birthday is a milestone in anyone's life, marking the transition from tween to teen. Help your child celebrate the joy and freedom that comes with turning 13 with a selection of life-changing songs at his birthday party--tales of young love, or declarations of independence.
"Don't Treat Me Like a Child"
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In some young minds, turning 13 is a mere step away from becoming a full-fledged adult. Play Helen Shapiro's 1961 hit "Don't Treat Me Like A Child." Shapiro was 14 years old when she recorded this doo-wop song, singing lyrics like "Well, just because I'm in my teens and I still go to school/Don't think that I dream childish dreams: I'm nobody's child." A 13-year-old will identify with the song's lyrics and bask in his newfound independence.
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"Thirteen"
Big Star's "Thirteen" is one of Rolling Stone magazine's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." It may be an acoustic ballad, but party guests will identify with its lyrics of youthful love. Frontman Alex Chilton sings, "Won't you tell your dad, 'Get off my back'/Tell him what we said 'bout 'Paint It Black,' " referencing rock 'n' roll, a music originally associated with teenage rebellion, and typical teen-parent conflict. Play "Thirteen" at a quiet moment at your thirteen-year-old's birthday party and let him reflect on the song's message of love and rebellion.
"Not Too Young, Not Too Old"
Play Aaron Carter's "Not Too Young, Not Too Old" and let the guests enjoy the fun that comes with being older, but not too old. This 2001 pop song references activities that 13-year-olds enjoy, such as playing video games and rollerblading. Carter sings, "Hey I'm not too old/I pull my cap way down/And say I'm 13 years old/That's how we roll." This song will be great because it makes being a teenager seem better than being a kid or an adult.