Birthday Parties, Continued

Life continues in its complexity. When I was a child, the biggest birthday party issue my mother faced was deciding where to hang the pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey game. Today, children’s birthday parties raise all sorts of sticky dilemmas. 

Okay, working Moms and Dads, following are the rules of etiquette you’ll want to remember before you light the birthday candles:

1. Yes, you may use email to invite others to your child’s birthday party. However, using paper invitations exposes your child to a more traditional approach of inviting others to attend an event. Invitations should be clear about the type of party being given, for example, “Jack’s 8^th Birthday Party.” Give the date and time of the party, noting both the start and end time. Be specific about the party location.

2. Provide a date by which you want invitees to RSVP and one or two methods of contacting you (phone and/or email). Be prepared to follow-up with invitees who do not RSVP.  You are not being pushy. You simply need to develop an accurate head count.

3. Work with your child to understand that every gift—the most and least expensive alike—represents the good wishes of the giver. Post-birthday party, teach your child to write a thank you note to every gift giver. Doing so teaches consideration for others.

4. Remain conscious of any budget limitations invitees may face. Asking guests to bring a special costume or admission to an amusement park may pose an onerous burden to families still struggling through the recession.

As for adult birthday celebrations, especially those celebrations held at work, keep it thoughtful and tasteful. The adult who says he or she does not want their birth date acknowledged has the right to celebrate their special day quietly. If a celebration is scheduled, attend and offer your good wishes. Skip the gag gifts. And when an invitation specifies, “No gifts, please,” honor the celebrant’s wishes.    
 

 
 

Related Things You Need to Know

Developing Allies at Every Level

Allyship may be the “missing link” that can help organizations ensure inclusion actually occurs.

When You Need to Get to "Yes"

Because of covid-19, many employers will have a unique opportunity to discern how well their summer hires manage conflict. My contacts indicate that this year’s summer associates and interns have been assigned to group projects. Disagreements are inevitable when any team goes through the process of forming, storming, norming and performing. Additionally, since most summer hires will work from home, they will need to negotiate with family members or roommates over who gets access to the best printer, the extent to which background noise needs to be minimized during Zoom calls, and who and when someone can just walk into their workspace for a quick chat.

Proving You're a Professional During a Shortened Summer Program

Because so many summer associate and internship programs have been significantly curtailed, the students who will participate in these shortened programs must avoid unforced errors. Like never before, summer hires will have very few opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities. How they handle one or two assignments will create critically important impressions.

Learn More

Order Mary'sbooksto learn the 100 things interns, new hires and summer associates need to know to succeed.

Let Mary Know

Do you have questions or want to see Mary speak at your school/employment? Reach out to Mary for more info.

Contact Mary