Birthday parties are big events that are on every parent’s roster all year round and the hosts make sure the party goes off without a hitch. Unwanted, iffy situations are hard to avoid especially when kids are on sugar high and the circle of parents who go to almost the same parties is a small one. In fact, in one incident, a 5-year-old boy’s mom sent invoices (yes, invoices) to parents of kids who didn’t turn up to their ski slope birthday party!
So we’ve curated the pre-, during and post-party etiquette that we think might come in handy the next time your kid comes home with yet another birthday invite.
Before-Party
Invites: Always, always RSVP as soon as you can, even if you can’t make it to the party. The hosting parents need to know the exact number of attendees so they can prepare the food, drinks and party bags well ahead of time. Kids parties aren’t cheap either, especially when its at venues that charge per head.
No-shows: However, if your child can’t make it at the last minute, it’s always best to inform the hosts immediately.
Siblings: Some parents might think that it’s okay if a younger sibling of the child tags along. Well, let it be known now that it is a horrible idea even if you plan on asking the parents. Simply because, and again, parties are expensive.
Picking out gifts: It’s helpful to ask the hosting parents what gifts are appropriate if you’re stuck on what to get.
At the Party
No drop-offs: Parents are usually expected to stay at the party with their child unless the hosts say otherwise. The party can get pretty chaotic if children are left running around on their own, and not to mention dangerous too. With each parent being responsible for their own child, the hosts can focus on making sure things go as planned instead of babysitting 30 other children.
Playing games: It’s always good to teach your child that it’s polite to let the birthday boy/girl have the first go at the party games.
Birthday cake: Some children might not think twice to blow the candles on the birthday cake because they didn’t know any better. This is when parents can come in and remind their kids to be mindful of their friend’s special day and that he/she should be blowing off the candles.
After-Party
Lend a hand: At parties where the hosts are doing the catering, guests could always do their bit to help by cleaning up after your child after a meal.
Clear out: When the party finishes, don’t stay back and wait around. The sooner you leave, the faster the hosts can get on with cleaning the place or start vacating if they’ve only booked the venue within a certain period of time.
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Image credits: Google Images.
