Birthday Party Etiquette For Kids: So your child has started to receive invitations to their friend’s birthday party. Congratulations on meeting your next milestone – making close friendships. But on giving it a little thought, you’ve seen your child at other types of parties and you know that they could do better at socializing. A nice greeting at the door, replying to adults with enthusiasm and making an overall good impression would really make you proud. Thus it begs the question – How do you get your child to behave properly at parties? Take a look now at these small steps that can be taken to form the best version of your child.
Acknowledge the Invitation
Be it receiving an invitation in person or through WhatsApp – both are equally valid and should be treated so. In too many instances parent don’t bother responding, for various reasons. However, what do you think what kind of impress this would make? It’s almost always an unpleasant one. They must be careless, not thoughtful and not civil, just to name a few to make a point. No one ever wants to be thought of in such a way.
So why even put that in question and the burden is not that much, a small message is all that is needed. Hence show gratitude for being included and let them know if your child can make it. And if undecided let them know you will get back to them closer to the party time.
Dressing to Impress
We all try our best to look good on outings but there is just one more thing you’ll need to know when it comes to attending birthday parties. Be familiar the venue. Birthday parties can be held at various venues including at home, a hall, the mall, and an entertainment venue. This means that you and your child need to dress appropriately simply to save yourself from embarrassment. You may have noticed yourself; it just doesn’t look right if a child comes along to a full-blown party at a hall in simple jeans and t-shirt and vice versa a princess gown to the mall. Again what would others think of you?
On Arriving
Here greeting the host is a largely important aspect of parties but is frequently a missed opportunity to make a wonderful impression. Reason being your child just doesn’t realize this importance, it too shy and/or is overly excited to play with their friends. And commonly parent remind their child of the spot which often results in an awkward situation. Fortunately, it can be avoided with a bit of preparation. Just before leaving your house tell your child what you expect from them by reminding them to say hello with a smile. And keep it simple so your child only thinks of it as a normal procedure and nothing that is worth being worried about.
Parents Socialising
And don’t forget yourself. Even if you need to head out right away at least spend a good 5 minutes for a chit-chat. The reason why impressions are such a big deal is you never know what comes from socializing in other words networking. This parent could only be an acquaintance or a good friend. Or amazing possibilities can arise on a personal level or career-wise. Furthermore, if you make an interesting connection the word can pass on to others with an equally interesting outcome. You just never know until you keep up with socializing. But as quick word never expect anything at any given time. Don’t give it so much thought other than to be simply friendly.
Time to Eat
During the party, the host will be managing the show and apart from this will be telling children that it’s food time. Now it would be lovely for our child to do what is asked of them, however, an extended host of reactions will occur. Ranging from the overly demanding, announcing they don’t like the food, wanting to continue to play and so on. Though they are kids and only learning, this behavior is rude and can never be helpful to an already busy host. Here have an open discussion rather than a lecture. Ask them how it looks and feels when other behaves ill-mannered. Children already know and when made conscious tend to take on that responsibility for themselves.
Play
Ever seen children play rough, wouldn’t think it’ll be your own. But you just never know. It may not be in their nature but rough play can occur when you least expect it. May they felt something unfair happens and they get upset about it, peers are doing it so they too join in, are yet again overly excited in what is happening at the moment or simply an accident happens where they are hurt. Make a deal – if you want to keep going to parties and spend time friend showing respect is a must.
Time to Say Goodbye
Your child has had a great time or very least the host really tried their best. Acknowledge it at the end of the birthday party. Let’s find them, say thank you and let them know you enjoyed. Again another chit-chat by parents reinforces a sound rapport. Acknowledge those in the room or if too big at least those child’s friends. Ending off well completes the social event on a good note and ensure a well-mannered and representation of you as the parent.
The Take-Away
- Behave inappropriately and a bad impression will be formed. Hence etiquette exists for such reason.
- Explain your expectations prior to the birthday party
- Make the child feel responsible for their actions through open discussion
- Tell them there are consequences for poor behavior
Birthday Party Etiquette For Kids
FAQ
Q1: How should parents acknowledge a birthday party invitation for their child?
A1: Parents should always respond to birthday party invitations, showing gratitude for the invitation and confirming their child’s attendance. It’s a polite way to show appreciation and ensure the host has accurate numbers for the party.
Q2: Why is dressing appropriately for a birthday party important?
A2: Dressing appropriately is important to avoid feeling out of place. The venue of the party determines how kids should dress. Wearing a princess gown to the mall or casual jeans and a t-shirt to a formal hall party can be embarrassing.
Q3: How can parents help their child make a good impression upon arriving at the party?
A3: Parents can prepare their child by reminding them to greet the host with a smile when they arrive. Setting this expectation in advance can help kids understand the importance of a warm greeting.
Q4: Why should parents also socialize at birthday parties?
A4: Parents should socialize because it can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections. Networking with other parents can result in personal or career benefits, and sometimes, interesting connections can lead to new and exciting opportunities.
Q5: How can parents encourage kids to exhibit proper behavior during mealtime at a birthday party?
A5: It’s essential to have an open discussion with children about proper behavior during mealtime. This way, they understand the importance of showing respect and can make better choices, contributing to a more pleasant party experience for everyone.