Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Education

Join the discussion on our Education forum.

Original poster

Birthday card protocol at Mother and Toddler?

9 replies

mrsright · 04/04/2006 22:12

Is it the done thing to bring birthday cards and/or presents to mother and toddler groups? The one that we go to is only small (6 or 7 regulars) but as we haven't been going for a long time I'm not sure of the 'form'. The children are 0-2 so I didn't think this would be an issue yet but last week it was mentioned a few times that it was one on the DBs birthday next week. Should I take a card to be on the safe side? DS didn't get any for his birthday a month ago but then again I didn't mention it because I thought that at one year old it wasn't necessary.

OP posts:
CatherineG · 04/04/2006 22:45

I would if I knew them outside the group and would be buying anyway, and wouldn't otherwise.

moono · 04/04/2006 22:48

I wouldn't if I didn't socialise with them outside of the group.

Mamo · 04/04/2006 22:55

Agree with MOONO I wouldn't if I didn't met outside. If you do you set a precedent, others then feel obilged to follow it can escalate out of control and you end up buying for the world.

We have an agreement between the only close friends birthdays not christmas!

handlemecarefully · 04/04/2006 23:30

Blimey - a protocol for this sort of thing?!?

Just do what you feel comfortable with

Original poster
mrsright · 05/04/2006 10:33

I feel comfortable with not getting a card (one less decision to make ) but don't feel comfortable with being the only mother not taking a card. We do not mix with them when not at M & T group but in years to come the children will all be going to the same pre-school and infants school so I want to start off on the right footing. Will a cheery Happy Birthday suffice? I suppose I should just go along and see what happens.If every one else brings a card I will know to do the same next time. But then what about the children who have their birthdays in the holidays? Aaaargh.

OP posts:
julienetmum · 05/04/2006 14:55

I would take a card if it was a child that we were particularly friendly with or I knew from elsewhere.

At our toddler group the birthday child tends to take mini chocolate bars/packets of raisons to give out at the end.

handlemecarefully · 05/04/2006 22:22

Don't agonise too much mrsright. If everyone else takes a card and you don't, only a very small minded and petty person would take umbrage at this. Most mums would just put it down to you not being sure whether or not birthday cards are expected (which is indeed your dilemma)- I really don't think you can do the 'wrong' thing on this one Smile

handlemecarefully · 05/04/2006 22:23

Don't agonise too much mrsright. If everyone else takes a card and you don't, only a very small minded and petty person would take umbrage at this. Most mums would just put it down to you not being sure whether or not birthday cards are expected (which is indeed your dilemma)- I really don't think you can do the 'wrong' thing on this one Smile

Original poster
mrsright · 06/04/2006 15:47

Phew!-didn't take a card and neither did anyone else![relieved emoticon].
Thank you everyone for your replies.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page