It’s always nice to see your child invited to a birthday part by someone in their class! If your child has been invited to a birthday party, it’s good to prep for the party before you accept. It’s important to make sure that your child is, first and foremost, safe at this party. And that then you have to consider all of the logistics that come along with accepting the invitation. Keep reading to see how I make those decisions, and handle birthday party etiquette and how you can, too.
Determine If The Party Is Appropriate For Your Child
It’s important to consider if the party and the birthday child’s friendship is a positive and appropriate environment for your child. Take into account your child’s comfort level and any past experiences they may have had with the birthday child or other children going. You can also consider any behavioral issues or negative experiences that may have arisen in the past and determine if it’s in your child’s best interest to attend the party.
It’s also important to consider the birthday child’s family. If I don’t know the family well, it is important to know if you as a parent are allowed to attend with the child. And if they only request children attend, I am not yet comfortable with this but it might be different for your family depending on your child’s age. If you have concerns about the party or the friend, talk to your child and determine if attending the party will be a positive experience for them. Remember, an invite is not an obligation, even if that’s a tough choice to make. It can often be a hard decision to decide for your child to not attend, but it is one of the most important decisions in birthday party etiquette.
What Type Of Party Is It?
It’s good to know what type of party it is. Consider the setting of the party, whether it is a casual gathering at a park or an overnight sleepover, it can be very different. You should also take into account the theme of the party, if any, to help you choose the right gift or if your child needs to attend in fancy dress, or a costume with a certain theme.
By determining the type of party, you can make sure that your child is dressed appropriately and ready to have a good time. You’ll also be at peace knowing exactly where your child is and what they’re doing, which of course, is always essential to know. Any party host or parent that makes you feel odd for asking such questions should be looked on with caution – as these questions are entirely natural, and most will be happy to give you all the details.
RSVP Promptly
Responding promptly to the invitation is not only polite but it also helps the host plan for the party. If the invitation has an RSVP date, make sure to respond by that date. If there is no RSVP date, respond as soon as possible so the host can get an accurate headcount.
Be sure to include the names of anyone who will be attending with your child and any specific needs or requirements they may have – like dietary needs or medications to be aware of.
Don’t Stress About The Gift, But Choose Something Nice
This is often the most debated question when it comes to birthday party etiquette. It’s nice to bring a gift, if that is in your family’s budget, but don’t think you have to spend tons of money on gifts. When choosing a gift, consider the age and interests of the child being celebrated. You can ask your child what they think the birthday child might like or take into consideration any themes or requests listed on the invitation. If I know the family well, or if there is a way to RSVP, I try to ask what the child would like when I reply to the invitation.
If the invitation doesn’t specify a theme or requests a certain type of gift, consider something practical like school supplies or a new toy. You might opt for something you know they love, like barbie toys from THE ICONIC or a LEGO set. If you’re unsure what to get, consider a gift card to a local store or restaurant, or even a monetary gift to help the birthday child purchase what they really want.
Help Your Child Prepare
Depending on your child’s age, they may need some preparation for the party. Discuss any concerns they may have, such as meeting new people or navigating unfamiliar surroundings without you. I like to prep my kids for any events so that they have some type of idea of what is going to happen – and we are less likely to have a meltdown.
Help them practice social skills by role-playing different scenarios and encourage them to be polite and respectful to their hosts and fellow party-goers too – but try not to make such a big thing of it, after all, they’re here to have fun and will no doubt be cared for while there. You can also review the party schedule and discuss any games or activities they can expect to participate in if you wish to.
Your child will probably be a combination of nervous and excited, which is why they might be a little sensitive or overenergetic before they go. Just take it easy, make sure they get a good night’s sleep beforehand, and set off early – they’ll be just fine.
When It’s Over, Thank The Host
After the party, make sure to thank the host for the invitation and for hosting the event. You can send a handwritten thank-you note, make a phone call, or send a message to express your appreciation depending on how close you are to the person.
If your child received a gift, encourage them to write a thank-you note or draw a picture to show their gratitude. Instilling the importance of expressing gratitude and showing kindness to others, even at a young age, is a great trait. By taking the time to thank the host, you can help foster positive relationships and ensure that your child is remembered as a well-mannered and respectful guest.
Consider Inviting The Child To Your Own Parties
If everything went well, it can be nice to include the schoolfriend in your own child’s party. This way you can build more of a familiarity with the parents of other children, and repay the favor.
That said, don’t view this as an obligation. If you prefer to have a low-key party then that’s absolutely fine, too. It can be worthwhile to foster these relationships over the years because they really can help your child develop and grow connections.
I hope that with this advice, you’re able to feel excited for your child’s first birthday invitation. And if your anything like me, also feel less anxious about birthday party etiquette! Happy partying!
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