We receive so many kids’ party invitations in a given month we can’t attend them all.  How do we politely decline a party invitation without offending the host parent?

The top tip for this question is to RSVP by the given date on the party invitation and let the host parent know that you will not be able to attend due to a previous commitment.  Even if you have nothing planned, quite frankly, your plan may be to hang out together or simply run errands, etc.  The point is you have something else you want to do, and that’s really all you need to say.  This will probably be something you do more often with invitations from kids whom your child does not know very well, however, if you can’t make your child’s best friend’s party that happens too.

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My daughter has been invited to a party at 3 pm on a Wednesday afternoon … and I am a working parent!  There’s no way my child can attend this party due to my schedule. Is this appropriate given how many children have two working parents?

Although only a few years ago I wrote an article on the fact that more kids’ parties are held on weekends due to more flexible schedules and several other factors, today the trend has definitely shifted and more and more parents are planning their kids’ parties mid-week.  Many of the reasons for this trend come down to pure economics.  As an example, typically party venues will offer deals mid-week to help keep costs down.  Also, because it is on a school day, this may cut down on the numbers for the birthday party given that there are after-school activities going on and some may not be able to make it due to family schedules.

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I had such fun appearing on San Antonio Living.  It was particularly a thrill for me because I got to take calls from people who have run into conundrums planning their kids’ parties.  It was great to hear from you and discuss what’s on your minds.

One particular question came up on a phone call that asked about inviting the same kids to your child’s party each year, even if they are no longer close friends.  Is there an obligation to keep inviting these guests?

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What happens if your birthday kid is soooo excited about his upcoming party that you are planning that he asks everyone at school, at after-school activities, and neighborhood pals to come to his party….even before you have had the chance to discuss the invitation list or decide how many to invite with him? Before you know it your 5 year old has invited over 50 people to the big bash!

In the case of this situation, don’t feel pressure to invite all 50 of these guests. Although your kid has generally spread the word about his party to everyone he knows, that does not mean they actually must get an invitation. This is an excellent opportunity to explain a few things. Read the rest of this entry »

Although there are several age groups at my kids’ preschool class, I am only inviting his age group to the party to keep the party size manageable. Outside of mailing the invitations to the kids’ homes, what wording should be used to make this clear? I am trying to avoid parents discussing the party with parents who’s kids were not invited?

The best bet is to be both polite and open.

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I just sent out my invitation for my child’s party. That very same day my child received an invitation for a party on the same day. How to handle?

This is an excellent question, especially since many schools now have policies in place that require that parents invite the entire class to birthday parties. Odds are some of these parties will fall on the same day.

Here are a few ways you can handle this situation:

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