Kid’s Birthday Party Etiquette—For Parents

Kids are overjoyed and excited when they’re invited to birthday parties, which is particularly opposite to how parents feel. You know your children love parties, because of the food, the sweets, the entertainment and the company of other kids.

However, when you think of attending a birthday party, you ask yourself some questions: Do I just drop my child off or should I stay during the party? Should I bring the other siblings? What gift should I bring? To help you answer those questions, here’s how to handle your child’s next birthday party invitation.

1. RSVP-ing to the invite

By far, this is the most common complaint of celebrants’ parents. A simple text or call informing whether your kid can come or not to the party is a courteous gesture that will help the host prepare for the event. And if in case a celebrant’s friend won’t be able to make it, the parents can inform their child ahead of time so he won’t expect for that friend to come.

2. Bringing other siblings

We know it’s hard to make one child stay at home with a babysitter, while you’re out taking the other to a birthday party. However, instead of showing up with extra siblings, ask if you can bring the invited kid’s sisters and brothers. Chances are, the host will say ‘Sure, no problem,’ but they wouldn’t like to be surprised.

3. Staying at or leaving the party

Most birthday parties with older kids, parents are encouraged to just drop their child off. If the host made it clear that it’s a ‘drop-off’ birthday party, there’s no need for you to linger around. On the other hand, if it’s a party for younger children and parents are required to stay, it would be rude to just drop your child off and leave the babysitting to the hosts.

4. Sharing info to the uninvited

Parents should make it clear to their kids to keep the invitation discreet, or simply do not inform them until the day of the party. This is especially necessary with school-aged kids, since the entire class may not be invited to the event.

5. If leaving early…

Sometimes, your kid’s demeanour could mean an early exit. If your child seems clingy, anxious or is about to throw a tantrum during the party, this may be a sign that he’s overwhelmed by the occasion. Try stepping out of the party for a few minutes to let your kid regroup and calm down. If the quick break didn’t cut it, no one will get offended if you need to go home early as long as you let the hosts know you’re leaving.

Birthday parties are fun experiences for kids, and it shouldn’t be burdensome to the parents as well. Keep these tips in mind the next time your kid is invited in one. And oh, don’t forget to bring something for the celebrant.