party etiquette

[PizzaPatel]

Hi all,

what is the etiquette for children’s parties - Are you supposed to invite siblings? Is there a rule about it like it depends on the age of the sibling?

Thanks!

No requirement to invite siblings no. But it really depends on where and what you have booked - if it's in middle of no where / at an awkward time / then many parents might struggle if they have other kids to be able to drop and go and might need to stay with them if they don't have any childcare but I'd expect a parent to message me to ask if that's ok first / and if it's something requiring a ticket then they'd have to pay themselves for the sibling

We never invite siblings unless they are all great family friends. But occasionally a mum would ask if it's ok if a sibling comes too for reasons of childcare, distance travelled etc especially if it's a very young child's party where a parent needs to stay for each child - under 4s generally.

Depends on your circumstances. I’ve done parties where siblings are welcome (big soft play and food provided) and other parties in small venues where numbers are more limited or a specific activity so have said cannot accommodate siblings

There's no need to invite siblings although I often invite siblings of my children's closest friends (but we all have children of similar ages so it works well).

If it's a church hall type party with no worry about numbers I'll tell parents who I know would find it a juggle to bring siblings if they want to.

Depends on the venue. We did it at our local park for DS2 both this year and last year. I said siblings were fine to come as it was just the park, but those parents needed to stay. Others could drop and go.
It will depend on your numbers.

I had a mum turn up to DS1s bowling party with a younger sibling in tow (same age as DS2) who told me that the sibling was 'sad' to be missing out, so could he stay and play. I was a bit taken aback at her cheek but I agreed as we'd had one not show up, so I had the space.

That was DS1s Reception year. He's Y6 now and I've learned that she doesn't tell them no, ever.

I do tend to send extra cake home for siblings though. Otherwise I end up with mountains of it left over. It's a good way to look generous at no additional cost.