When it comes to kids’ birthday parties, opinions can get pretty heated. Just ask mom Amy Carter, whose TikTok video stirred up quite a conversation about birthday party etiquette. In her now-famous clip, she humorously points out that if you invite one of her kids, you’re really inviting the whole crew — all five of them. In the video, Amy and her children, aged 9 years to just a few months, are seen dancing together, while her husband supports the baby in his arms. She explains in her caption that since her husband works long hours, she’s often solo with the kids. Plus, she always RSVPs for her family or checks with the party parents first.
The comments section is full of strong opinions, but I’ll share my two cents first! With COVID still lingering in our minds, many families are still cautious, but now that gatherings are on the rise again, birthday invitations are coming in. As a mom of three, my older kids are just under three years apart. Although they attend different schools, my 4-year-old often tags along with his 7-year-old brother’s friends. If one gets invited somewhere, the other is usually coming too. And let’s be real, you’re definitely getting all three kids when my youngest is along for the ride!
I totally get where Amy’s coming from; she’s often the one managing the kids while her husband is at work. Should she skip family fun just because she can’t drop one off alone?
However, the comments brought up some important points about kids needing individual experiences. One user mentioned, “Because god forbid a child gets just one afternoon of alone time to bond with their friends without their siblings around.” For siblings with a bigger age gap, it might feel odd for a little one to crash a party meant for older kids. Plus, it’s crucial for older kids to build friendships outside their sibling relationships.
Financial situations vary greatly among families. Although Amy mentioned she pays for her extra kids if the party is at an event space, many commenters felt this could put a strain on hosts. “Imagine being a single parent on a budget and this happens, I’d be so embarrassed and upset,” one user said. Even if Amy asks first, it can still put pressure on the host to provide for unexpected guests.
Some felt it was poor etiquette to invite yourself along. As one commenter noted, “One thing my mom always told me growing up – never invite yourself anywhere.” Yet, there were also those who supported the idea of more guests, saying things like “the more the merrier!”
In the end, it seems like there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family has their own approach to birthday parties, and it’s all about finding what works for you.
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In summary, whether to bring your whole family to a birthday party is a personal choice that can spark lively discussions. It’s essential to consider the dynamics of your family, the host’s preferences, and the comfort levels of everyone involved.
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