Kids' Birthday Party Etiquette

Are you interested in learning about kids' birthday party etiquette? This article simplifies this, at times complicated, subject.

As any parent knows, children's birthday parties are more than just fun and games. They are one of child's first introductions to social situations. Before the party, give your child a quick briefing on all things mannerly.

Make Guests Feel Welcome

Encourage your child to greet each guest as he or she arrives. It's also important that the host thanks each guest for coming at the end of the party.

Be Tactful with Invitations

On your child's party guest list, he should include his best friends as well as anyone who might feel left out. Siblings close in age should be invited but discouraged from upstaging the birthday child.

If the guest is under five, you can expect him to bring a date, namely his mother.

Let Every Guest Win at Least Once

If your child wants to play competitive games, try to plan them so that every guest wins convincingly at least once. Better yet, include a few cooperative games, in which the whole gang faces a challenge, such as following a treasure map.

Accept Gifts with a Smile

For some children, it takes time to learn the art of receiving gifts. The receiver should say something nice about each gift as it is opened. Explain to your child that he must be grateful for the gift, even if it is a toy or book he dislikes or already owns.

Send Thank-You Notes

Teach your child to write thank-you notes for the guests after birthdays or holidays.

Kids' Birthday Party Etiquette Simplified