https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:40:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677684 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 23:37:55 +0000 Boogs 2677684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: Places like this are so nice to have the extra set of eyes, that's for sure!</p> <p>@MamaCate: I have a couple weeks, so I'm hoping we can just chat in person before then at pick up. And maybe she'll make a comment that lets me know one way or the other, I don't wanna be 'that guy' lol.</p> <p>@matador84: Alas, had they done that it would have made things all the more clear. It was a blank envelope handed from kid to kid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677645 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 22:42:58 +0000 matador84 2677645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always only take the child the envelope is addressed to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677640 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 22:36:11 +0000 MamaCate 2677640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: we have usually seen that parents are free but you are paying per child attendee. We have some daycare friends where both parents almost always come, but most bring one parent.</p> <p>We had an invite a few months back where dh was working so it was either me and both kids or no one. So I texted the mom and let her know. I told her I understood about paying per head and was fine either way. She said it was fine to bring our 1 year old and he had a blast. This was at one of those jumping places. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677634 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 22:29:56 +0000 skipra 2677634@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since you have done family play dates it wouldn't hurt to ask but for a party at a venue like that for just a classmate I would just assume no siblings. I am probably the only one but I always am surprised when both parents attend kid parties - unless they are family friends. DH attended a recent one and it was so weird having him there (but nice because he watched the kids and I socialized!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677628 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 22:22:12 +0000 HawaiianGirl 2677628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless the invite is address to both (or parents say both can go), I never assume both are invited. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677275 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:55:00 +0000 Boogs 2677275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: If it's only one parent invited, DH just assumes I should go, but not sure why he thinks parties and play dates just fall on mom lol. The three best friends at the party also have similar aged little brothers who enjoy playing together, so I just assumed they want them there, but I don't want to assume and look like a jerk.</p> <p>@Mrs. Blue: My personal nightmare also! I was telling a relative about how we will have our usual birthday party with family this year and LO will have a special friend party day. She told me to just invite the kids to our house for two hours and have the parents drop them off. I was like, that sounds horrible! With usually at least 50 people in our small space I don't need 10 extra kids I can't keep my eye on, I honestly barely know what our own kids are up to lol!</p> <p>@PinkElephant: I love how you worded that! </p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: If nothing else, I know it's something to keep in mind when I'm the one handing out invites. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677240 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:55:43 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2677240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: here's how I see it for a kid's birthday I think the child is really the invited guest, but just so happens needs to be accompanied by an adult. I understand why parents may want to go together, but the activity isn't for them. From the few kiddie parties I have attended I have seen a mix of solo parent chaperones and couples, but in all cases the family was invited.</p> <p>@Boogs: yeah, an addressed envelope would have been really nice in this situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677237 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:54:20 +0000 PinkElephant 2677237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: With the info that you've done things with the family including siblings before, I'm changing my answer. :) it's fine to ask. If I were in your shoe, I'd phrase it something like "Would you like me to bring &lt;your younger child&gt; for &lt;their younger child&gt;, or should I leave him/her home with DH?" Making it sound like you've assumed your younger one is not invited and made plans for that takes the pressure off the parents, IMO. And like you said, maybe they were assuming your whole family would come and will quickly extend the whole family an invitation! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677233 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:51:16 +0000 PinkElephant 2677233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: @honeybear: regarding drop-off parties...I would hope that in the case of a venue party, there would be party hosts who were dealing with all those extra kids! :) My DDs have been to a few at places like My Gym/Gymboree/JumpU where there are "coaches" in the gymnastics/play/bouncy area, and the parents are expected to remain at the venue (the oldest bday party we've been to is for a 4 year old), but not actively supervise the activity. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677228 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:44:52 +0000 snowjewelz 2677228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If I have to assume I would have to play it safe and think only 1 kid is invited, then ask the host if you can't just bring 1. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677223 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:41:12 +0000 honeybear 2677223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: I agree on drop off parties. The idea of having responsibility for a bunch of young children who aren't mine and who are all hopped up on cake for several hours sounds...not so fun. ;) But when my son was 5 we started to have to decide what to do about drop off parties because others were inviting him to them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677216 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:31:07 +0000 Mrs. Blue 2677216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would assume at least one child and one parent. I guess if it were my kid's party, I would really, really not want parents to drop off their kids (at least not until they're way older kids; I know people do this, but that's my personal nightmare), so in my mind I assume all parents want at least one parent to stay with their kid through the party. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677214 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:27:33 +0000 honeybear 2677214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: I feel like the variety of responses you've gotten means 1) you've got to ask for clarification (I really don't think that would put the hosts in an awkward position), and 2) everybody needs to get better at addressing/giving invitations. Clarity is important! You know what they say about making assumptions... ;)</p> <p>As an aside, I think it's a bit impolite to invite only one parent. It would be rude to invite only half of a married couple to any other social event, so why are birthday parties different? Perhaps there's something I'm missing here. I feel like I'm usually the only parent who is not accompanied by my spouse at most parties (because he often can't make it on Saturdays due to work), so it's not like it's standard practice to have only one parent attend, at least in my area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677142 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:25:07 +0000 Boogs 2677142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm glad I asked here! We've done a few play dates with this child and their siblings and another child and theirs, so I didn't know if it was another case of getting all the buddies together again. They are a family that doesn't have family in the state and not a ton of friends, that's why I wasn't sure. I just wish they put on the envelope To: Son/Parent or something or a note on the inside about please bring one parent. If it's a drop off situation, it's definitely out of the question, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677127 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 10:07:18 +0000 Ajsmommy 2677127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd assume it was for DS1 and one parent, since it's from a classmate</p> <p>If it was from a close family friend/relative then I'd assume it was for the entire family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677117 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:49:43 +0000 irene 2677117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>only a parent and your child is invited in this case. Children's museum is super expensive and have a ridiculous strict rule for head count.</p> <p>I am puzzling on this for my DS' birthday party... I only have a home party and i want to invite two of DS's friends from school on top of friends we have already invited, but I am afraid the families are going to bring a village which I won't be able to handle! Ahhhh... dilemma.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677113 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:42:12 +0000 Andrea 2677113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just had someone ask if they could bring the younger sibling and I said sure. I knew that we'd still be under the allowed head count so it wouldn't cost me anything extra. I appreciate them asking though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677090 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 09:10:13 +0000 erinbaderin 2677090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If it was from a family friend I'd assume the whole family was invited but from a classmate I'd assume one parent one child. I agree that I wouldn't ask, it will put the host in an awkward position. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677078 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:49:03 +0000 Jennibenni 2677078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It wouldn't even occur to me that your whole family would be invited. Asking if you can bring an extra kid to a venue that charges per person (and a party that includes a meal) is really putting stress on the party thrower, so I personally wouldn't ask. If it's not possible to go without both kids I would decline the invitation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677077 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:42:55 +0000 PinkElephant 2677077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with others - it's just for your son who is a classmate of the birthday child, particularly since it's at a pay per guest/limited capacity party venue, as opposed to at their home. I'd say it's fine to bring a younger sibling only if that sibling will be a baby who is worn in a carrier/sits in a carseat the whole time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677074 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:37:44 +0000 FaithFertility 2677074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: I would try to go with just the invited child and one parent, unless sibling was under 2</p> <p>In my case if DD was invited and DH was working I would RSVP and let the family know I would have my 12 week old DS too </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677071 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:29:43 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2677071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless these parents know your family situation- family of four- I would assume it's just for your son since he is the birthday boy's classmate. Doesn't hurt to ask if bringing both kids makes it easier for your son to attend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677070 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:27:12 +0000 mediagirl 2677070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: I would assume one parent, one child. Museums are pricey and I wouldn't want to be paying for second adults, as well as siblings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677048 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 06:51:40 +0000 honeybear 2677048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's probably an invitation for a drop off party for your son. However, I would ask, because the invitation should have been clearer and if it is a drop off, I would need more info to decide whether to let my son go. I might not be game for dropping off my K son with parents I don't know unless I was really familiar with the venue, or able to stay nearby. </p> <p>But I feel like more than six 5-6 year-old boys (who I know reasonably well!) are way more children than I want to supervise at once, so I don't really get drop off parties at this point. It seems so stressful! I can't imagine inviting children of this age that I've never met and being solely responsible for them for a few hours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677021 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:34:30 +0000 808love 2677021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@CatchAFallingStar: same opinion. Parties are expensive!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677020 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:32:31 +0000 CatchAFallingStar 2677020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would assume it was only meant for your son, depending on age, of course. If he's a toddler, I would assume a parent was also welcome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677019 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:30:02 +0000 autumnlove 2677019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I wouldn't assume siblings/both parents are invited since parties at museums/jump places/zoos usually have limits. I would ask for more info! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-both-kids-invited#post-2677018 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:22:14 +0000 Boogs 2677018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1 got a birthday invite from a classmate today. The envelope didn't have any names on it specifying who it was for. Am I to assume my family of four is invited? Just LO? LO and only one parent? </p> <p>Fwiw it's a two hour party with pizza and cake at a local children's museum. I'll probably have to end up asking, but didn't know if it's something most people automatically know and I'm just clueless lol. </p>