Minding Your Manners for the 21st Century Birthday Party

By: Barry Mcgee

Kids love birthdays. And if you're the parent of a school-age child, chances are good that you've not only hosted your share of birthday parties, but been to your fair share as well.

Even a seasoned birthday party pro may not have all the knowledge needed to pull off the perfect party. Not surprisingly, there are some rules of etiquette that should be followed, even in this modern age.

A Class Act? Maybe not.

Your child doesn't have to invite everyone in his or her class to their party. If you don't want the class bully to be there or anyone else for that matter, it's O.K. Just don't distribute invitations in class. And discourage your child from talking up the party. No use rubbing it in to the uninvited.

RSVP'ing.

If an RSVP is requested, be sure that you make the call. It's just good manners to let the host know whether you'll be there or not. And if you're hosting the party, feel free to call invitees to see if they're going to show up.
Being a good party host.

A birthday party is a great time to teach your child about proper manners. Help your child greet the guests as they arrive and make sure they make the rounds in the room so that every child has a chance to visit with the birthday boy or girl. And be sure your child thanks guests for gifts. A little goody bag given as each guest leaves is a nice touch, too.
Got game?

Kids love games at birthdays, so feel free to plan a few. Most kids know the rules of the most popular games. Just be sure everyone gets something and that the prizes aren't over the top. Games are a good time to teach good sportsmanship, so don't dangle a top prize that everyone wants but only one gets.
Dealing with the unexpected.

Inevitably, someone won't RSVP and show up, sometimes with an extra kid or adult in tow. What can you do? Find another chair, that's what. A birthday party is not the time to make a ruckus. Always have extra food on hand, extra plates, drinks and goody bags, just in case.
This sucks, mom!

You can almost count on your child getting a gift that he or she doesn't like. The best way to avoid a scene at the party is to not open gifts during it. It not only saves time, but keeps the focus on the birthday and not the new toys that everyone will want to play with. Plus, it eliminates the awkward moment when two or more gifts are exactly the same.
Thanks. No, really.

In this day and age, are thank you notes out of style? Hardly! Thank you notes teach your child to be polite, thoughtful and considerate. They don't have to be long - they just have to thank the child for attending and for the gift.

Article Source: http://www.articlepro.co.uk/international

Barry Mcgee writes articles on birthday party and gift ideas and all things related to birthdays. You can read more of Barry's articles at HappiestBirthday.com

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