Why wouldn't you go? It's her family throwing her a birthday party that includes family. You should go.

Anonymous wrote:The bigger question is why do parents insist on making every birthday a big to-do? Have a cake at home with some close family and call it a day. Everything is a humongous show to make the kid feel like God’s gift to the world. It’s ridiculous. No one wants to attend.

It's hard when you feel like you have to invite the whole class. My kid's school won't give out email addresses, the only way to invite his friends is to send the invitationsto school with him. And I'm not having my son give invites to only a few friends.

Anonymous wrote:you're NEVER obligated to go. Ever.

I agree. I typically throw it out there that relatives are welcome, but they know they're not obligated. And they usually don't come. You're totally fine to skip.

Just don’t go. They invited you so you wouldn’t feel left out since you’re involved with your niece.

Anonymous wrote:They shouldn’t invite you to the kids party. Weird.

THIS. I can see inviting you if it’s a family only party. But not for a kids party. Just don’t go.

You just stop. This year do not go. It will be ok and they will get the hint.

My dh and I have a difference of opinion on this. I don’t want to Invite our brothers without kids the same age because, really, who wants to come? He says it’s rude not to and they can always decline, But they are too polite to say no and always do come. I’ve told them I would understand if they didn’t want to, but they just smile politely and show up anyway. OP I think it’s fine not to go.

Maybe they are just asking you to be polite. I invite my kids uncles/aunts to their parties whether or not they have kids. I don’t care if they come or not, sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. I wouldn’t overthink it and just pass on the party.

The bigger question is why do parents insist on making every birthday a big to-do? Have a cake at home with some close family and call it a day. Everything is a humongous show to make the kid feel like God’s gift to the world. It’s ridiculous. No one wants to attend.

You're totally fine to skip it! If you hadn't planned anything special yet, I would have suggested doing just what you're doing. If my sister were local, I would always invite her but never expect her to come. The parents probably just didn't want to exclude you.

you're NEVER obligated to go. Ever.

They shouldn’t invite you to the kids party. Weird.

Totally, doesn't make you horrible at all. In fact, even nicer you are doing something special with her separately. I always include all aunts and uncles on bday party invites, along with grandparents, but never expect them to come. (And they know it because I've told them so.)

Yes

Go ahead and call me a horrible person, but I do not want o go to my nieces birthday party. She's 8. She's having a party at a farm. The party will consist of the adults standing around while the kids ride horses. I have no children. I'm taking my niece out the next weekend for a birthday lunch and movie. Can I skip?