Your Childrens Birthday Parties

Children’s Birthday Party Etiquette When Children Attend A Birthday Party

The following children’s birthday party etiquette suggestions are for both occasions when attending a friend’s birthday party or when children attend their own birthday party.

We have all heard about, maybe even witnessed and hopefully it wasn’t our own child that ran to a guest or grandparent demanding their gift. Or a guest that dumps out all the contents in their party favor box and in a loud voice says, “Is that all?” A birthday party is the perfect time for children to practice the social skills they have learned.

Good manners and proper etiquette will never go out of style. The development of social skills when children are young will promote self confidence and be useful through life. Your children’s manners and party etiquette are a direct reflection of you.

1. The Invitation and RSVP Birthday Party Etiquette
When your children receive an invitation to attend a friend’s birthday party involve them in the RSVP process. The hostess will set a deadline for your reply, but it is always better to respond as soon as possible. Preparations are made based on the number of RSVP responses received.

Instructions will come with the invitation on how to answer the RSVP. There may be a self addressed stamped card to return via the mail, a phone number or an email address at the bottom of the invitation. What ever method the hostess has specified help your child respond to the RSVP as soon as possible.

Once your child has responded yes only a natural disaster or a serious illness should prevent them from attending the children’s birthday party. It is bad party etiquette and very rude to say you will attent and not show up.

2. The Birthday Gift
Ask your children what their friend likes and dislikes and ask suggestions for a good birthday gift. Shop early and purchase the gift as soon as possible to prevent disappointment of not being able to find what you want.

A hand made birthday card and wrapping paper made by your child would be a thoughtful and caring gesture. Let your children wrap the birthday gift themselves.

3. Theme Party Etiquette
More and more children’s birthday parties are planned around a theme, such as a favorite movie or cartoon character. Ask your child what costume or outfit they want to wear to the party. Have this conversation when they receive the invitation, you may need time to make or purchase the parts for the costume.

Costumes need not be expensive. It is always a nice gesture to attend the party dressed in something that is in keeping with the party theme. The main objective is to have fun.

4. The Day Of The Birthday Party Etiquette
While your child is getting ready for the party have a conversation about what they can expect and the proper behavior for this type of theme party. Remind them that this is their friend’s special day and it is an honor to be part of the celebration.

5. Arriving On Time Is Good Party Etiquette
The hostess may have special events planned and a timed schedule such as a special guest or entertainer. Your child doesn’t want to be embarrassed for being the person that has delayed the start of the party.

6. Greetings and Birthday Party Etiquette
The first thing to do when arriving at the party is to say happy birthday to the birthday girl or boy. Say hello to the hostess then to the rest of the guests.

7. Saying Thank You Is Proper Party Etiquette
Before going home a guest will usually receive an appreciation gift, in the form of a favor box or bag, for attending the party. Say thank you when you receive your favor bag or box. Always say thank you to the hostess and birthday girl or boy for inviting you.

The birthday child should also thank each guest for attending their party and for their gift.

8. A Written Thank You Note Is Appropriate Birthday Party Etiquette

When someone gives you a gift or goes out of their way to give you a good time, a written thank you is appropriate. Even if you already thanked them in person. A thank you note is a tangible way to show your thanks. The person has taken resources that they could have used for themselves and given them to you in the form of a party or gift.

Children should write and address the thank you note themselves. Very young children can also take part in the writing of thank you notes. They can draw a picture, place their thumb print or a sticker on the note.

Expressing gratitude is proper children’s birthday party etiquette and the nice thing to do. It makes both the sender and receiver feel good.