Would you let your child attend a masked indoor birthday party?

[Anonymous]

DD’s birthday is coming up. Considering a small party. I’m not even sure what venues are having indoor parties. I can think of indoor mini golf or bowling, both activities our kids are not fond of. I would do a spa, tea or princess party but it doesn’t seem safe. Nature centers aren’t doing parties.

Would you let your child attend a masked indoor birthday party?

Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. None are safe.

[Anonymous]

Good God no.

Outdoors, sure.

[Anonymous]

I would do this neither indoors nor outdoors.

[Anonymous]

Hell to the no!

[Anonymous]

I would prefer outdoors.

[Anonymous]

Skip it this year or do outdoor cupcakes. The cupcakes and maybe a craft or activity. It can be fast if it’s cold outside.

[Anonymous]

No. Masked outdoor party with a small group, yes.

[Anonymous]

There is no indoor party I’d send my kids to. I would send them to an outdoor party if I knew there would be masks (except when eating) and distancing (when eating).

[Anonymous]

Hell no

[Anonymous]

Are you crazy?

[Anonymous]

Yes, of course, provided that it is legal. Do you really intend to keep your kids trapped at home all winter?

[Anonymous]

Our thought is that there is only a small percentage that would say Yes to this. Those people are probably only wearing a mask because you asked them to. These same people are most likely the ones (with families) who are traveling, eating out, visiting family/friends, playing sports, going to school - just putting themselves in the most situations and taking the most risk - with and without masks.

For these reasons, I think that If my kid was going to catch Covid, I think tots more likely of it being from someone who would also be attending this non- essential party is higher.

[Anonymous]

No freaking way.

[Anonymous]

Ideas? Sure: No party. Seriously. Your kid will be fine. Just make it special at home. Decorate their bedroom with balloons, twinkle lights and streamers. Give them ice cream sandwiched between two waffles for breakfast. Make their favorite meal for dinner.

But for the love of all that is holy, do NOT have a party indoors or outdoors, even with masks. People will judge you, and they will be justified in doing so.