Select Region
Follow us!


Handling Prickly Party Situations

Handling Prickly Party Situations


Faye de Muyshondt, founder of socialsklz:-), a Manhattan etiquette school for kids, shares guidelines for how to invite guests to a birthday party, writing thank you notes, and handling food allergies.

We asked Faye de Muyshondt, founder of socialsklz:-), our three burning questions on prickly party situations.

 

Must the entire class really be invited?

In a word, no. It’s okay for a child to be selective about who they’re inviting and who they’re not. Now, I wouldn’t suggest inviting the entire class less one child, but if they only want to invite, say, half the class, that’s just fine. What’s important is that invitations are not handed out at school, so that nobody feels left out. Also, remind your child not to talk about the party at school, and make sure she understands why.

RELATED: Birthday Party Resources in Your Area



 

If we open gifts during the party, and my child says “Thanks!” as he goes along, do I still need to send a written thank you?

First of all, the party is about the person being celebrated, so let your child decide whether he wants to open them at the party or later. And, sorry, but even if he does choose the former, written notes are still required.  It’s a worthwhile exercise for all children.

  

So many kids have food allergies. I’m getting a little stressed worrying about pleasing everyone. What do I do?

Right on the invitation, note specifically everything you will be serving, then add, “If your child has an allergy to the above, please send along a brown-bag lunch or dessert.” If the invites have gone out already, email the parents.

RELATED: Modern Rules for RSVPing

 

More Articles:

Latest News:

Family Activities:

Have a Laugh:

Christina Vercelletto

Author:

 Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, ParentingScholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

See More

Featured Listings:

The Vincent Smith School

The Vincent Smith School

Port Washington, NY Since 1924, Vincent Smith School has been LI’s premier school for differentiated instruction in grades first-12th for students with learning difficult...

Fantasy Forest Amusement Park

Fantasy Forest Amusement Park

Queens, NY Fantasy Forest Amusement Park, considered 'Queens only Amusement Park' is located in The Flushing Meadows-Corona Park near the intersection of 111th...

RiverArts’ SummerArts Camp

RiverArts’ SummerArts Camp

The RiverArt’s SummerArts camp is a rich and diverse arts experience. The program runs four weeks in August, offering different themes weekly. We offe...