Nanny Nightmare

Dear Counselor,

My husband and I are constantly annoyed when we have a birthday party and parents that are too good or too busy like playing tennis don't bring their children to a party, but send their nannies instead. I can understand if it is a good friend and they are away and grandma and grandpa may want to bring them, but how do we word our invitations nicely that if your nanny is going to bring your child then don't attend. I don't want to be rude, however, I am tired of these self centered moms not wanting to come to a party because they feel the need they already have friends. You feel obligated to invite the child because your child plays with them at school.

Thank You,

Mrs. Invitation Inquiry
______________________________________________

It goes without saying that these parents should be held in CONTEMPT OF COURT for bad behavior! Unfortunately for you and you husband trying to explain this concept (i.e. the importance of spending quality time with your children) will most likely fall on deaf ears to someone that finds “me time” more important than “we time.”

When tailoring a motion, the last sentence is always what we “pray” for the court to do. Why not do the same thing in your invitation?

Join Us for Family Fun at Ethan’s Nerf Sword Party!

When: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Where: My House
What: All family members needs to wear comfortable clothes for the sword fight contest… Moms and Dads included!

By emphasizing FAMILY throughout the invitation, you subtly get the point across without offending the usual suspects. Chances are they are not even reading the invitation anyways which leads me to my next point. The nanny will probably bring this nuance to parent’s attention noting that this appears to be a “family” event and that she does not qualify as such. The parent(s) will either get on board or send their regrets. Either way, you win.

The only concern that I have is for the children that are brought by these nannies. We already know that the children are being emotionally neglected by the parent(s) so excluding them may only punish the children further for the parent’s absent behavior.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sending out “family oriented” party invitations. It’s ultimately your party, your rules. Who knows? These parents may find that spending time with their children is more fun and better exercise than tennis! Game, Set, Match.

Sincerely,

The Counselor