OOPSIE DOOPSIE

To say we were blessed with Madeline’s daycare situation would be a very huge understatement. This place is just the tops. Bee’s knees, if you will. Wonderful yet sassy, up-beat and creative teachers always there to greet us in the morning, scooping up our little and readying her for the day. Rambunctious friends that call to her as they burst into the room. Sweet smiles and the occasional friendly short exchange between parents during the drop-off and pick-up. Pretty neat stuff.

Anxiety and tears flowed when I parted with Madeline on day 1. Now, I confidently walk in, assured that she will have a great day, even if there happens to be a tumble on the playground.

“We got this,” I say to her on Monday morning.

In the afternoon, I rush into the center, locate my child and we lock eyes. I hear, “MOMMY!” Yes, okay, she’s mine. Here we go.

Her teacher hands me the end-of-day goodies: colorful painted pictures, her summary of day’s events …

… and a white envelope with “Madeline” printed on the front.

{I know what this is before I even open it.}

And then a familiar feeling hits me again. A wave of anxiety. Holy sh*t. There is NO way she is old enough. This isn’t happening yet, is it?

I decided to peek on the way home…

You’re Invited to your awesome friend’s birthday party.

Friends {aka parents}, if you thought you were “young” pre-kid’s birthday invite, just wait. You’ll feel like someone hit fast-forward. Your youth vanished. Their youth is very much here and present.

And, of course we’ve been to parties of the birthday and wedding variety with Mads, but these were family and adult friends. Familiar. Now, we’ve turned the page. We’ve entered the world of kid friends. And other kids’ parents.

How To Survive Your Kid’s Friend’s Birthday Party

1. RSVP!

Besides common courtesy, I always like to RSVP to these shindigs early. Be quick. Why? Because the parents are W A I T I N G. I know I would be wondering, hands on hips, tapping my foot, waiting for those RSVPs to roll in. Okay, maybe with less theatrics, but you get what I’m saying, right? Too many details make up a birthday party, so lets help the fellow parent. This may also be your first impression. I like to make it a punctual, caring-of-their-time one. If anything else, just get it out of the way. Also, I’m notorious for forgetting things. >>Mom brain???<< Ha! … hilarious – just click on it.

2. Dress for the occasion

Relax and have fun. YOU’RE AT A KIDS PARTY. I would strongly recommend leaving your heels and ego at the door. I know it seems obvious that one would dress for the environment, but I’ve seen discomfort. I’ve witnessed the unnecessary early retreat because of a poor costume decision. Ladies (and gentlemen), let’s just remove our week attire and settle into comfy casual while our littles run around like lunatics.

3. Introduce yourself to the other parents.

Make the effort to meet the moms and dads you don’t yet know. The way I see it, chances are you will be going to their kids’ parties soon and them to yours, if you’re so inclined, so let’s start the relationship building, shall we? HINT: many are in the same boat as you and BONUS: many will probably be pretty awesome, too. And you have a major thing in common: a couple of kiddos that enjoy playing and hanging out together. You are bound to have things in common, whether it’s the latest episode of a princess-pirate-favorite on Disney Jr., potty training woos/wins, sibling discussions or maybe just how you both attempt to grab five minutes during a work day to call your own.

4. Gifting: When in doubt, bring bubbles and chalk.

This is a total go-to, am I right? What little kid doesn’t like chalk and bubbles? Done and done. If you’re not a fan of this method, look to the invite for clues. Chances are, if there is a theme, this is something the kid loves. Whether it’s a character or color theme, take that idea to the store and find an activity or book that features the liked item(s). Done.

5. Get off the schedule.

I’m sure there was a time frame listed on that invite. And I’m sure it didn’t extend more than two hours … well, it’s nearing the two hour mark and NO ONE is MOVING!

I’m going to sing that song: your kids are only this young once. Let them play with their friends. Just be present in this moment. And share a laugh {and plan a coffee/lunch/dinner} with a new adult friend. After all, these are definitely the moments to cherish.

Perhaps nothing quite earth-shattering, but let’s be honest – it’s a kid’s party – how complicated does it need to be? Smile. Laugh. Relax. We are all in the same boat. Enjoy the ride! {and watch those invites continue to roll in…}

linking up with tiffany and jennifer!