Proper Party Etiquette
Over the next seven weeks, Arianna has six birthday parties to go too. SIX! Okay, granted, one is her own but still. That's a lot of partying.
I find it really interesting to see how different children's birthday parties are implemented. Who sends out Evites versus who ordered cards off Etsy. Which parents opt to invite the entire preschool class versus who just invites their favorites. Who has a generic theme compared to who goes for a popular theme. Then of course - who has the party at home versus who chooses an outside location.
In general, the parties at kid-friendly establishments are much more organized and have more activities to keep the children entertained. The at-home parties typically involve the children running around the house before gathering together for cake. However, the at-home parties usually have a larger selection of food, seating, and adult beverages. Most of the time, the parties-at-a-place have tiny pizza slices for the children and absolutely nothing for the parents.
Regardless of where the party is, I strive to let Arianna attend every single birthday party she's invited too. She loves the socialization and I love the variety of new experiences she's exposed too. For example, Arianna would never make a pirate map on her own time - but after creating one at a birthday party, she walked around the house with the map looking for treasure for a week.
Through trial and error, I have found the most effective way to handle kids birthday parties.
1. Once the invitation arrives, RSVP right away. This is easy for the invites mailed to us. Arianna makes her decision right away based on whether or not she wants to go, and I check my planner. Oh but the Evites give me some trouble. When Evites are sent, Arianna refuses to tell me if she wants to go or not until she knows which one of her friends will be there. I don't blame her in the slightest, but it does slow down my pre-party process quite a bit.
2. Grill Arianna until she tells me the interests of the child having the party.
3. Immediately get a present and card and wrap it. If I don't get it early, I usually forget until I'm on my way to the friggin party.
4. Plan to arrive at the party on time. Get there 5-10 minutes late anyway.
5. Look radiant. Because after all, you are a cool f-in mom and pretend you're social!
6. Wait for the "thank you" card in the mail. If one never arrives, judge harshly.
I find it really interesting to see how different children's birthday parties are implemented. Who sends out Evites versus who ordered cards off Etsy. Which parents opt to invite the entire preschool class versus who just invites their favorites. Who has a generic theme compared to who goes for a popular theme. Then of course - who has the party at home versus who chooses an outside location.
In general, the parties at kid-friendly establishments are much more organized and have more activities to keep the children entertained. The at-home parties typically involve the children running around the house before gathering together for cake. However, the at-home parties usually have a larger selection of food, seating, and adult beverages. Most of the time, the parties-at-a-place have tiny pizza slices for the children and absolutely nothing for the parents.
Regardless of where the party is, I strive to let Arianna attend every single birthday party she's invited too. She loves the socialization and I love the variety of new experiences she's exposed too. For example, Arianna would never make a pirate map on her own time - but after creating one at a birthday party, she walked around the house with the map looking for treasure for a week.
Through trial and error, I have found the most effective way to handle kids birthday parties.
1. Once the invitation arrives, RSVP right away. This is easy for the invites mailed to us. Arianna makes her decision right away based on whether or not she wants to go, and I check my planner. Oh but the Evites give me some trouble. When Evites are sent, Arianna refuses to tell me if she wants to go or not until she knows which one of her friends will be there. I don't blame her in the slightest, but it does slow down my pre-party process quite a bit.
2. Grill Arianna until she tells me the interests of the child having the party.
3. Immediately get a present and card and wrap it. If I don't get it early, I usually forget until I'm on my way to the friggin party.
4. Plan to arrive at the party on time. Get there 5-10 minutes late anyway.
5. Look radiant. Because after all, you are a cool f-in mom and pretend you're social!
6. Wait for the "thank you" card in the mail. If one never arrives, judge harshly.
Comments
Post a Comment