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7. A big thank you is in order at the end of the party to the hosts as well as the birthday boy/girl. Do a practice thank you with your child and remind him/her about eye contact and projecting his/her voice. A handshake may be appropriate too.
8. It's very important to be on time, particularly if the party is at a venue and is a scheduled activity. Nothing is worse than your child holding up an entire group or feeling singled out for being late. And it's another one of life's important lessons that you can instill in your child only through leading by example. On the same note, it's just as important that you arrive on-time for pick-up.
9. Ensure that you too are following proper party etiquette. If it's a "drop off" then greet the hosts, thank them for having your son/daughter, and acknowledge that you'll return at the given time. Don't stay to socialize with the hosts or other parents.
10. If the party was enjoyable, go the extra mile and send a thank you note with your child, explaining how great that makes someone feel!
FAYE ROGASKI is an adjunct professor of communications at New York University, the founder of Faye Elizabeth Communications Inc., and the President of the American Heart Association (AHA) Young Professionals, as well as a lobbyist for the AHA. Based on her professional experience, academic training, and a passion to empower children, Ms. Rogaski founded socialsklz:-), a program that provides confidence and self-esteem to help children and teens thrive at school, in any social setting, and in life in general.
