Children's birthday parties

[megs_95]

I've been invited to one of my children's birthday parties (outside of the centre) and I'm not sure what to do. I don't think our centre has any sort of guideline for it. Mum asked me about it this afternoon because her son kept saying he wanted me there... she said she wasn't sure if teachers did birthday parties, but she'd give me the details in case, and I just said thanks and that I'd think about it. Part of me - the larger part - thinks it's a bad idea because I'll just become the babysitter, and because I won't know anyone aside from the child and any other children from my centre that go. And it feels strange to me... but the poor boy was so excited asking me over and over to come to his birthday party

It's probably best not to go, right?

[Lorina]

Aww that's really sweet!

Although it's probably best if you don't go because the parent could unintentionally take advantage of having you there. If it was a get together for the grown ups fair enough as you can mingle with others but it's with the children... Also it may cross the line of parent/ educator boundaries and you could be caught up in playing favourites in the future by others. I know it sounds ridiculous but you never know what may occur in the future!

Just politely decline and speak to the little boy as well. Tell him you will have a special birthday afternoon at the centre with him... Bake a cake or cupcakes with the group and decorate, play musical chairs, blow up balloons for hitting, jumping and throwing, do balloon painting and this can all be incorporated into the program as well...

Even though you can't go it's so nice of this little boy to want you to go to his party! Makes your heart melt doesn't it!

,
L.A