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How do I answer this question politely - Are kids invited?

I'm having a 40th bday party for my husband this saturday evening.  There will be 60ish adults which is really way more than I should have in my small house.

So one of those people I invited just asked "Are kids invited?"

Honestly, it will be a stressful day for me anyways with the amount of people in the house.  These kids are not very well behaved.  If the 2 of them are running around I don't think I can handle it.

What is the polite response to the above question?

Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

Re: How do I answer this question politely - Are kids invited?

  • The answer is yes or no, it has nothing to do with these particular kids.  If you invited kids, then yes.  If you don't want kids, then no. 

    "No, adults only."

     And you have to be prepared for them to decline the invite, but that's the chance you take. 

  • Agreed with the pps.  If kids aren't invited then say so.  I know my kids aren't invited everywhere and I'm never upset if they aren't.  Sometimes we do need to decline invites sometimes we don't.
  • At least your guests asked in advance and didn't just assume they could bring kids to an adult party. I've had that happen, and it's so annoying when unexpected kids show up.

    Will there be any other kids there? If not, you can simply tell them that it's an adults-only party. I know, it's easier said than done and I always feel guilty telling parents they can't bring their kids, but it will be fine. Parents shouldn't assume they can bring their kids everywhere, and most parents know better than that. It sounds like these parents know enough to ask, so they are probably prepared for you to say their kids aren't invited. You just have to be okay with it if the parents respond that they can't attend if they can't bring the kids.

    If other people are bringing kids and you just don't want these particular ill-behaved kids there, then it's more tricky. I think inviting kids is an all-or-none thing. All kids are welcome or no kids are welcome.

    image
    Mr. Sammy Dog
  • As everyone stated, just tell them that it is an adult party only.

    Most people I know put "and family" or the kids names on the invites if kids are invited.

  • When I print it I say: Due to limited space (or whatever my reason is) we regret no children under the age of (fill in the blank).

    On the phone if they ask I'd say: Thanks for asking. This time for the party we regret no children are invited. I appreciate your understanding.

    As a parent I don't care when my son isn't invited. I totally am reasonable and understand.

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  • No, this is an adults only affair.

     

    That being said this is only appropriate of no kids were invited.  You can' invite everyone's kids and then tell these people no because their children are no well behaved.

    "You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness."
  • Just be honest - no kids are invited.  As much as I love my son and bring him a lot of places I fully understand that there are times when a babysitter is needed - it never ceases to amaze me how many people get offended when they find out kids are not invited.  Luckily, in my group of friends we are always more than happy for "adult time" and have babysitters lined up. 
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