How to invite people and tell them not to bring their kids?

[Anonymous]

We want to host a small garden party with friends. The thing is, most of our friends have very young children and we don’t; we have a teenager. We have nothing to occupy small children, I don’t want to make my teenager have to keep an eye on them, and I don’t want them wandering around our house while we are all outside (I’m imagining parents suggesting they watch TV or sit inside on devices.) And honestly, I don’t even want them in the backyard with us. I just want an adult gathering. The thing is, our DD will be home and is inviting a friend over, though they won’t be outside with us.

What’s the best way to inform everyone that kids aren’t invited?

[Anonymous]

“Book your babysitters and plan to join us for a garden party on…”

[Anonymous]

Just say “adults only” somewhere on the invite.

[Anonymous]

Just put *adults only* at the bottom of the invitation

[Anonymous]

adults only is fine. i assume your dd and friend won’t really be interested in mingling with the party. so her having a friend over is her activity to keep her out of your hands; not you lying about adults only party.

[Anonymous]

Most of them probably won’t come if you tell them they can’t bring the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of them probably won’t come if you tell them they can’t bring the kids.

You have no way of knowing this. You don’t know these people.

[Anonymous]

"adults only please"

[Anonymous]

I loved a kid free event when my kids were little. I would definitely attend OPs garden party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just put *adults only* at the bottom of the invitation

But be prepared for someone to inevitably not read that part and bring their kids anyway (or worse, choose to ignore it!). I once made a genuine mistake and brought my kids to a gathering at a neighbor's that I realized only after arrival was adults only. They had phrased the invite somewhat obliquely and I just didn't pick up on it.

My kids hung out upstairs and we stayed for only a brief time - luckily it was on our block so we could head out early without a lot of fuss.

[Anonymous]

Just put adults only. It's not like you will be entertaining your kid during it. We have this dynamic on our friends group. 90% of the time, kids are included in the get togethers. Every so often it's adults only and sometimes it's adults only except for a teenager who occupies themselves with a friend or doing whatever and just comes by for snacks.

Not a big deal but our group of friends enjoys having adult only get togethers from time to time so it makes things a little bit easier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of them probably won’t come if you tell them they can’t bring the kids.

This. Its expensive and not everybody has family to watch kids. I save the babysitters for date nights or big events.
But its also okay to say adults only. Just dont be surprised if people with small kids cant do that.
You may have moved on from that phase in your life but some are still deep in the trenches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of them probably won’t come if you tell them they can’t bring the kids.

Pfft, I'm always looking for an excuse to book a babysitter and put on a dress!

You're probably one of those people who schleps their kids to a winery or brewery on the weekend and calls it family bonding time.

[Anonymous]

How small of a group are you inviting? If it’s only a few couples you could have a conversation with each person about how you’re excited to do this garden party and your adult only vision. I do agree someone will overlook the no kids thing if you aren’t very explicit just because people don’t read. I also agree you will have some people decline because a babysitter isn’t a palatable option for them right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of them probably won’t come if you tell them they can’t bring the kids.

Their loss