We've received yet ANOTHER birthday party invitation for Thing1. He has 19 classmates and I have the feeling that each one of the little buggers is going to have a birthday during the school year.
I HATE ATTENDING KIDS' BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
Why can't the parents just say, "This year, you're going to have a party with just your family and next-door neighbor friend."? But they don't, and Thing1 comes home with an invitation envelope clutched in his hand on a weekly basis.
The majority of the school's parents feel that they have to invite everyone in their kids' class. This is stupid! Why would a parent want to obligate a family to come to a party and have to bring a gift, especially if the invited kid isn't special pals with the birthday kid? It's like "fishing for gifts" time.
My policy: a 'special' birthday party every other year. Off years are 'family only' parties. Invitations are sent out by mail for birthday parties (yes, I spend the stamp money!) and only to special friends. None of this carpetbomb-the-classroom-with-invitations crap.
We don't go to every party we get invited to. Sometimes, I have to put my foot down and say, "We just can't make it." for whatever reason. But DAMN, we've gone to so many of them this year! Plus, I have FOC (Fear Of Cake) and I hate birthday parties because they're known for having this evil dessert on a regular basis...
Snarl.
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5 comments:
I think it's a way for families to validate their kids' acceptance--whether it's real or not. "Look honey--all your friends LOVE YOU--they brought you all these gifts!!"
Lame.
Just one more item on the LONG list of reasons why I don't have children!
Just put on your brightest red lipstick and smile your way through it all, just like grad school days.
I can just see the speculation on the other mothers' eyes as I show up in my fire-engine-red lipstick at the kiddie party. "Look at that slut! She's on the prowl at Chuck E Cheeze! What a bitch!"
Heh heh. Might be worth it, at that!
I think it is sometimes because they don't want to make anyone feel left out.
I must admit that I remember the sting of being one of the uninvited.
It's hard as the party child's parent too. Honestly, we don't need more "stuff". We are in a small place and just can't keep it up (nor can re really recipricate each time). Still, I've tried "no gift" parties, but people bring anyway which can be really hard for the little guests who don't.
Tough call all around.
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