Augh. I hate birthday party season....

[Anonymous]

Why don't you try this: let your DC know about the invite, buy a nice present, and arrange to stop by at the beginning (or end) of the party to bring by the present and even stay a few minutes if it looks like a good scene, but arrange something else, like a movie or visit to family or some shopping or something else fun so that you can say to the parents and your DC can say to the birthday boy or girl "sorry we can only stay for a minute - we have other plans, but we really wanted to drop by the gift and wish the birthday boy/girl a happy day". That way, your DC feels invited and included, but you don't have to worry about the stress of the whole party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you try this: let your DC know about the invite, buy a nice present, and arrange to stop by at the beginning (or end) of the party to bring by the present and even stay a few minutes if it looks like a good scene, but arrange something else, like a movie or visit to family or some shopping or something else fun so that you can say to the parents and your DC can say to the birthday boy or girl "sorry we can only stay for a minute - we have other plans, but we really wanted to drop by the gift and wish the birthday boy/girl a happy day". That way, your DC feels invited and included, but you don't have to worry about the stress of the whole party.

This is a great idea!