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Should I limit the number of parties that my kids can attend each month or each year? Is there a tactful way to turn down invitations so that the kids don’t get their feelings hurt?
It’s that time of year again…school has started (many have policies that all kids must be invited to the party), the kids are engaged in their after-school activities, etc. Everyone is having birthday parties and inviting everyone to them. You are likely to end up with a party each and every weekend or even a couple each weekend. These parties are, of course, fun, but they do take up precious weekend time, as well as can stretch your budget buying party presents. Unlike summer, it is difficult to NOT attend because it is not summer time when you may be on vacation or have other plans scheduled.
However, this is a decision that must be made as you receive the party invitations and see how things are lining up for your month. One good guideline to follow is to determine who is your child’s circle of friends that is really important to her. These party invitations should not be dismissed. Also, if your child is meeting new people at school or soccer practice and she is talking about the new friend a lot when this kid’s party invitation arrives, your child is going to want to attend.
Where to draw a boundary? Those party invitations from acquaintances or from kids your child doesn’t see too often are perfect opportunities to pass on these events. Your child doesn’t know the person too well or isn’t that excited about the party, so why not limit attending these types of parties.
When you turn down the invitation, it is always helpful to have something else planned or to do that makes it impossible to attend. But, if you do not have anything else planned, when you RSVP to these parents whom you aren’t close to or maybe don’t even know, provide a simple “no” you won’t be attending and don’t feel you have to make an excuse. Yes, the kids who are having a party will be looking for everyone they invite to attend, but that is unrealistic. This birthday kid will adjust to the situation as the numbers of who will and who will not be attending and enjoy her party with those that do attend.
