How to nicely say no siblings for party?

[Anonymous]

Years ago, we had a MyGym party and had written No siblings please on the invitation cards (no evites). I still remember one mom picking up the card from the cubby and giving it to her older child who had come along to pick up the younger one (who was in my kid's class in preschool). The older one after opening it right there said "Whaaat? No siblings" and pouted and the mom shook her head and all of them walked off. They did not come for my kid's birthday party either.

I had chosen a package for 20 kids and we reached that limit. I would have gone out of my way if it was child's close friend but not for classmates.

[Anonymous]

I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

[Anonymous]

Due to space restrictions we are unable to accommodate siblings this time.

Literally just did this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would print something like, “No siblings please,” on the invitations.

This.
Nothing more, nothing less. Done.

This. The less words the better or the message gets lost.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Okay. Feel free to drop off and go have fun with your other child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Ok....? You're childcare issues aren't my problem. I'm just having a birthday party for my kid. If that doesn't work for you then RSVP "no". It isn't a huge deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would print something like, “No siblings please,” on the invitations.

This.
Nothing more, nothing less. Done.

This is what I did. I have twins so if we have a venue with a cap we generally can't accommodate siblings. There's always one clueless/rude person who will bring them anyway. It's the same mom who brings kids to the field trip even though it was specifically stated that no non-school children were invited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Are you a single parent? I do have sympathy for that situation, but I don't for two-parent families where they both don't work that weekend. You don't have to spend all your time as a complete family unit. Birthdays are about other people, and sometimes we do things for other people. At least, some of us do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First year we're hosting kid's birthday at an outside venue. Venue charges per head and caps at 20 kids. How do I nicely say on the invite that we can't accommodate siblings within good etiquette?

"No siblings.". Beginning and end.

This is fine, but it’s not particularly nice.

It’s not particularly nice to bring uninvited guests to a party and make people tell you it’s not allowed. That’s like saying it’s not nice to ask someone not to take $20 out of your purse or that you can’t drop off your kid for a play date without asking first.

I wouldn’t offer an explanation. Explanations open you up to argument. There’s a cap? But it’s just one child. It costs more? We’ll cover the cost (and maybe they will, but maybe they’ll forget). It’s not age appropriate? Larlo loves playing with his younger sister’s friends. Or Larla can help show the younger kids how to do it.

Less is more. No siblings. I wouldn’t even say please. If that’s too curt, maybe “siblings can’t be accommodated.” Don’t apologize though, because you didn’t do anything wrong.

Yes! +1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Ok....? You're childcare issues aren't my problem. I'm just having a birthday party for my kid. If that doesn't work for you then RSVP "no". It isn't a huge deal.

+1 People like PP are entitled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Ok....? You're childcare issues aren't my problem. I'm just having a birthday party for my kid. If that doesn't work for you then RSVP "no". It isn't a huge deal.

+1 People like PP are entitled.

Right? Why on earth should I host your kid that my kid doesn't even know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

We understand your position and understand that your child won't be there. We don't expect you to pay for a baby sitter for our kids party. We are fine with drop off but are fine if you can't make it. I hope you just click no and if you leave a message all you say is "Johnny is sorry that he can't make it. Have a great day."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would print something like, “No siblings please,” on the invitations.

This.
Nothing more, nothing less. Done.

This. The less words the better or the message gets lost.

Fewer words.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Here’s the thing. Even if they don’t explicitly say they’re excluding siblings when they invite one of your children to a party, they’re still not inviting siblings. It’s because people show up with uninvited guests that hosts have had to start spelling it out. Leaving off “no siblings” doesn’t mean “siblings welcome.” If it says “siblings welcome” feel free to bring them all. That, or listing everyone by name, is how you know it’s ok to bring all your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate when parents do this, but I understand. If you are going to do this, expect parents will drop off and won't stay. If going to a child's birthday party is going to require me getting a babysitter, we won't be going.

Here’s the thing. Even if they don’t explicitly say they’re excluding siblings when they invite one of your children to a party, they’re still not inviting siblings. It’s because people show up with uninvited guests that hosts have had to start spelling it out. Leaving off “no siblings” doesn’t mean “siblings welcome.” If it says “siblings welcome” feel free to bring them all. That, or listing everyone by name, is how you know it’s ok to bring all your kids.

Preach it!