I recently addressed my daughter’s class regarding Diabetes, type 1 and 2, and discussed what each were and how this affects my daughter.  The class already knew about her disease because she discusses it openly herself. Since giving this talk to the class, my daughter has not been invited to any birthday parties.  She feels snubbed and thinks the parents are worried about handling the sugar issue at the party.  How can I find out if this is the case and do something to help the situation?  I feel like I made it worse having given this open talk to the class?

One thing to keep in mind is to make sure that this is the reason your daughter is not being invited is due to this situation instead of other reasons, i.e. not being close to the birthday child or the other families limiting the number of kids being invited.

Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for a way to make sure your guests RSVP.  You might want to try putting next to the RSVP line in your invitation, “Regrets Only!”  Many people assume that if they plan on attending, that they don’t need to RSVP because the host parent assumes you will be there.  So, if you write “Regrets Only” on the RSVP line, you are doing exactly that, assuming that the guests will attend, unless you hear otherwise. 

It’s a good idea to try!

I want to limit the age of the kids who attend my kids’ party.  I don’t want kids older than 5-years-old attending the party since it is at a museum that is targeted to this age range.  I am concerned that my extended family will want to bring their tweens to attend this party.  I really don’t want this!  How can I say it nicely so they aren’t offended?

Be proactive with those that you are concerned about.  Pick up the phone and let them know directly that you are limiting the kids to the age range you have in mind.  If there are only 1-2 kids you are concerned about in your family, you may want to provide them the opportunity to help out at the party with the kids.  This gives them a helpful role to you, and you avoid having to say a complete “no” to their attendance.  If there are other guests with older siblings that you are concerned about outside of family, make sure to direct your party invitation only to the child being invited.  Be prepared when the RSVPs come rolling in with people asking if siblings can also attend. 

Read the rest of this entry »

My son turns 6 soon, and in an attempt to curtail numbers, we are going to invite only the boys in his classroom this year to his party.  Although he has been invited to several girls’ parties from his class, we feel this is a fair way to limit the numbers.  We are taking the kids to an ice hockey game.  Will this seem sexist to other parents?

If you are going to hand out invitations to kids in the classroom often you have to invite the entire class or either all of the boys or all of the girls.  So, definitely check with your school to see if there is a policy in place.  If you are allowed to only invite all of the boys, this is a perfectly acceptable way to limit your numbers and still be inclusive.  Also, if you receive questions from other parents, you can say we decided to limit it to the boys this year.  A very easy and clear boundary.  The fact that you are taking the boys to an ice hockey game does not make your decision sexist.  Your motivation is to limit your guests to a reasonable number, not to exclude girls from attending a hockey game. 

My child has two parties for her two good friends on the same day at the same time. She wants to attend both, but we don’t want to be rude. Is it OK to duck out of one kids’ party thirty minutes early to catch the tail end of the next one? 

Certainly, it is OK.  When you RSVP to the first party, tell the host parent that you and/or your child will have to leave early from the party.  This way the departure time will not be unexpected and the host parent can have the goody bag prepared, etc. in anticipation of your early departure.  The same is true for the second party you are attending.  When you RSVP, contact the host parent and explain the situation, and ask if it would be OK if you came for the second half of the party.  Leave it up to the host to say yes or no to you and be open to either.  If she says no it may be because the party is being held at an outside venue and she doesn’t want to pay the fee for your child who will only attend for the end of the party.  If she says yes, she will plan on you arriving late. 

Read the rest of this entry »

I am new in town and have had little chance to meet anyone, and my kid’s birthday party is coming up.  He is enrolled in school and knows almost everyone in his class, but I have no idea who these kids are.  Should I take liberty and invite the whole class to the upcoming party?  It could be awkward as I don’t know this community yet, and they don’t know me.  What to do?

(This is also an excellent question, if your child is simply new to the school and is meeting many new friends whom you don’t know in the least yet.)

Read the rest of this entry »

At our upcoming birthday party this year, we would like to ask our family and friends to bring a dish for everyone to enjoy together. Is this appropriate?

Do not feel bad in the least for asking your friends/family to contribute to your party menu. Most people will be more than happy to pitch in and bring something to share. On the invitation state, “In the spirit of enjoying this wonderful day together, please bring a dish to share with everyone.”

Read the rest of this entry »