Another birthday party question... - Younger siblings?

MommyToAshley wrote: I am trying to figure out Ashley's birthday party, and most places have packages based on the number of kids.

So, when you invite a child, do you expect that their younger sibling will be there also? When we have play dates, the younger siblings are there and play together, but the older girls usually play together. This is no big deal. But, if you are paying for a birthday party, this can really add up. (There would be more than double the amount of kids if siblings are included) So... what do you do? Do you plan to include the siblings or do you specify the one child only? Ahhhh... why does everything have to be so complicated?

Bee_Kay replied: When my kids were younger and had birthday parties, younger siblings didn't show up.

I would imagine that common courtesy would be that the parent of the child that recieves and invite would ask you beforehand if the younger sibling could tag along.

C&K*s Mommie replied: Well if it were a tea party or something specific for older kids, I would not expect the younger ones to come or if they did I would not count them in. Maybe have something planned different for the smaller children. If only one of the girls were invited to a party, and I had a way to have someone watch Kellie, or it were on a Sunday when Chris would be home, I would have no choice but to take Kellie.

I would count them in anyhow. I also use the 1/2 invited method, to determine to estimated cost. Of all people invited siblings, parents & party members I divide that list in half to get a rough estimate of people who will attend.

jaytrevjax replied: That's a hard, but good question. I think it depends on who your children play with, and who they are actually good friends with! In my neighborhood, all the kids play together, and are friends. So, in my case, I would probably invite everyone. But I don't know how play groups work (I'm not part of one), so I don't know if some kids play together more than others, or not. And it's harder when you are actually going somewhere and paying for all of the kids instead of just doing it at your house! I don't know if you are attending somewhere you have to pay up front, but on the invite, put an RSVP so you get an estimate of how many will be there! Good Luck! I hope it works out!

Boo&BugsMom replied: I would write the names that you want to invite on the invitation. Maybe even say, "I hope you understand that so and so isn't on there because we have to limit the number of children somehow". I would find it incredibly rude of someone to assume their other younger child is automatically invited. If they can't get over it, then they are truly the ones with the issue and need to be realistic.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I ran into the same problem when we had Maddie's birthday party. I was so stressed that someone was going to bring a sibling...it was $20 a head. I think people are well aware that these things cost and would never assume the other children are invited as well or even try to bring them for that matter. The only time I take Ethan is when it is a party at a friend's house and I call before hand to see if it is okay.

Like someone else suggested, just address it to the child being invited. I wouldn't think you would need to write an additional note on there.

CantWait replied: Just put the child's name on the front of the envelope. That usually clears up the air as to who's actually invited to the party.

I've never assumed that sibblings would come or could come with any party I've thrown, or been to.

Have fun planning.

ediep replied: well, my 2 best friends have 4 year olds and younger ones, and both kids and younger siblings will be invited. But I was wondering about this kids in Jasons class too. I have been to parties where the parents bring the younger siblings too. I plan on writing the name of the child on the invite and if the parents bring a sibling, the oh well...I'll have to just pay extra.

Ashlynn's Mommy replied:
And if it makes you feel comfortable, then just specify on the invite "one child only"

kimberley replied: i agree with the others, just address the invitation to the older child to avoid confusion. i have had the occasion where a parent brought another sibling along without telling me but the parent paid for that child. most won't because they understand different ages have different stuff in common if it was a house party or something that is different but chuck e cheese... they can pay. what are you doing for loot bags?

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I think it's perfectly fine to just invite the older sibling (the one Ashley is friends with). Most parents would know to ask before bringing more children, I would hope. Most of my friends only have one kid so far, but one of my friends who has 3, completely asked before bringing them all to Wil's party last year (even when I addressed the invite to the whole family). I even had party favors for them all, but she only wanted to take one. Hopefully you will have parents like her!

luvmykids replied:
When one of the kids gets an invitation with their name on it, I assume they are the only one invited. Some moms make a point to tell me the others are welcome but otherwise I assume it's just the one kid on the invitation and make other arrangements.


BUT if I were the one having the party, I don't know if I would be correct to assume that others think like me

coasterqueen replied: IMO at Ashley's age I would expect that the parents would probably stay there with their child and so that would mean more than likely a sibling(s) would come along. We always invite the siblings as well so they don't feel left out.

Kaitlin'smom replied: you have attended some of there parties right? what do they do then do they bring them? Pesonally I woudl only think who ever the invitation is address to is the only one(s) invited espically to a spot like CEC

3_call_me_mama replied:
Ditto

That's how we do it and when Cameron is invited to a party we all go. If it's an issue I would hope the host would say somethign before hand, and most likely we wouldnt' be going. In our area it is common that until a child is in school (k-6) parents attend teh party with teh child and siblings tag along unless a parent chooses to leave teh sibling home. (You could always put on teh invitation that siblings are welcome but the parents have to pay for them (more tactfully than that but you get what i mean) if you are worried about cost.