Birthday parties for kids have long sparked lively discussions among parents. Recently, mom Sarah Thompson ignited a debate on birthday party etiquette with a viral video on TikTok. In her clip, she humorously illustrates her family’s approach to birthday invitations, stating, “When you invite one of my kids to a birthday party, you get all of us! Don’t worry, we bring fabulous gifts.” The video features Sarah and her five children, aged from 9 years to just 4 months, cheerfully dancing while her husband cradles the baby. Sarah explains in her caption that her husband is often busy with work, leaving her to manage the kids alone most days. She also mentions that she always RSVPs for the whole family or checks with the party hosts beforehand.
The comments section of her post has been buzzing with opinions. As a mother of three, I understand the complexity of such situations. My two older children are less than three years apart. Although they attend different schools, my 4-year-old is familiar with his 7-year-old brother’s friends, and they enjoy spending time together. Consequently, if one of them is invited to a party, it’s likely both will attend. If they can’t go together, the other often opts out as well. And, of course, my infant will tag along, making it a family affair.
I see where Sarah is coming from, especially since she often manages the kids solo. With her husband working six days a week, it’s tough to expect her to leave one child behind. However, the comments raised some valid points. Individual experiences are essential for children’s growth. As one user pointed out, “God forbid a child gets just one afternoon of alone time to bond with their friends without their siblings around.” It could be awkward for older kids if younger siblings attend parties meant for them. Plus, I would feel guilty if my oldest child couldn’t enjoy their time because they had to look after younger siblings. Building friendships outside of sibling relationships is crucial for social development.
Financial considerations also come into play. While Sarah claims she offers to pay for her additional children if the party is at an event space, some commenters still felt this could be uncomfortable for hosts. One user mentioned, “Imagine being a single parent on a budget and this happens; I’d be so embarrassed.” Even asking to bring extra kids can put pressure on the party hosts to accommodate uninvited guests.
While some commenters embraced the “more the merrier” philosophy, most seemed to favor the idea of inviting only the designated kids. Sarah, in her responses, indicated she’s okay with skipping parties if her whole family can’t attend. In the end, perhaps the lesson is that every family has its own approach to these situations.
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