Confession: I have never once been to a gender reveal party. I've been to tons of baby showers (which are a lovely way to help a new family out, or help supplement a growing one). The reason? I've never been invited to one. I guess it's just not a thing my friends and family bother with.

How Not To Celebrate Your Gender Reveal In Lubbock

As I said, I've never been to one of these things, and I was under the impression it was usually someone cutting into a cake to reveal pink or blue- totally harmless, and hey, there's cake! However, I recently learned (to my horror) that some people have taken to dyeing birds' wings pink or blue for the reveal.

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Leave Animals Out Of It

A wildlife rescue organization posted that this practice (which I'm sure people pay others to do for them) is detrimental to the birds.

The toxic fumes compromise their lungs, they’ve ingested poison while preening their feathers, they’ve been rejected by flocks, and they are more vulnerable to prey.

That seems like a horrible way to celebrate a new baby, and I'm sure people do it without realizing how incredibly cruel it is. Which brings me to the next one, which is going to be more controversial...

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Balloons Don't Go To Heaven

They pop and fall back to earth to be eaten by wildlife like ducks and geese, pet dogs and cats, and livestock (particularly calves), which will kill the animal. Again, not a nice way to celebrate a new baby or to remember a loved one or whatever else the commemoration might be for. It's a very bad idea anywhere, but especially in an area that has so many cattle, horses, goats, etc.

If you are popping a balloon(s) and picking up the pieces, that's totally fine!

Babies Don't Need Pyro

I've seen plenty of videos where a spark, explosion, or cannon situation goes totally awry at a gender reveal, possibly hurting a bystander and/ or causing a fire. We live in an area that is frequently under red flag conditions, and starting even a small fire outside can lead to utter devastation.

By all means, celebrate your new life with joy and blessings beyond measure! But please do so in a way that doesn't harm anyone else. Your baby wouldn't want that.

Best Dedicated Yoga Studios In Lubbock

While many places in Lubbock do pilates, barre, bikes, and more, there are a dedicated few that focus on yoga. Here's a look at these highly-rated, locally-owned spots to refine your practice.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven

 

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