Is it rude to not invite someone to a birthday party?

Question

Help! My son's birthday party is this Saturday. He is turning 8. I run a small, in home day care. One of the children at the day care is 2. We were just invited to the 2 year old's birthday party 3 weeks ago, which was basically an all-adult. I didn't intend on inviting the 2 year old to my son's party, because it's going to be all older kids and big kid games, and only select few adults are staying. In light of the fact that we were invited to their child's party, though, do you think that I should invite them to join my son's party?

And also, it wouldn't be too late. We got only 4 days notice to their son's party, too.. so the amount of notice isn't a big deal.

Answer 1

I guess I'm one of the minority because I probably wouldn't invite the 2 year old.

As kids get older we realize we cannot always reciprocate an invitation. It just isn't practical.

If you are concerned about hurting the parent's feelings and it is brought up you could always mention something like ... "My son had a few of his classmates over to celebrate his birthday." I think the parents would understand there is a pretty large difference between 2 and 8.

Answer 2

You should invite them because they did invite you AND they are your clients. If you lose them, would it hurt you? Most likely they would end up leaving anyway because their son will not be having any fun because of his age. Or just simply talk to the parents and see their response. Tell them that you want to invite them but because of their sons age, you are not sure if they will have fun or not and see what they say... they might just say no thank you... :)

Answer 3

You should still invite him to your son's birthday even though they do have a age diffrence. It's really the thought that counts in this situation. Just like they pretty much knew for their two year olds birthday there was going to be a lot of adults they should assume there will be a lot of older kids because your son is turning 8. Out of common curtosey you should invite them because they've invited you. Even though the party is in 4 days, it's not too late ti invite them but if they don't come don't take it offensive because of the age gap. It's pretty much the thought that counts like I meantioned before. Good Luck!

Answer 4

You should invite them to something, but it doesn't have to be your son's party.  A dinner party might be a good idea.

Answer 5

I think you should invite them..I understand the age difference but its not that big of a deal me and my kids got invited to my friends sons birthday party who was turning 9 we went and the kids had a good time and my kids are 1 and 3..if the age difference is too much for her she will just leave..but i really dont think it will be a problem..ive seen b-day parties with tons of kids all different ages..it usually works out fine.

Answer 6

totally agree with the above, put the ball in their court, it was lovely to go to his party, and you'd love to reciprocate the arrangement, however the age range will be mainly 8 year olds, do they feel comfortable with this or would they just like to come and join in for an hour around cake cutting time, the best of bothe worlds, they will get the idea that they are welcome but that things wont automatically be arranged age specific to their son, also they will know its ok to leave if its too much

Answer 7

Please invite the two-year-old to the party.  It would be rude not to invite him, since you were just invited to his party 3 weeks ago.  It would be especially rude if other kids in your home day care are invited but not him.

More importantly, not getting invited will probably hurt his feelings.

Answer 8

No, you are not obligated to invite or entertain a 2 year old at a party for 8 year olds.

If you feel bad about this, invite the parents but tell them that the games are for older kids and there will be no younger kids there  for him to play with, you can't watch their child as you will be running around, and you don't want their child to get hurt, so if they would like to bring him, the parent has to stay with them there, too. With all of these stipulations, you may be surprised when they decide that it isn't worth the trouble and stay home.