What is a Child’s Role During Their Parent’s Party?

A party is a perfect time to teach children the importance of hosting. After all, a host is attending to the needs of others. This type of selfless giving may assist in the child learning empathy, which is difficult to teach at times.

However, a child is not hired help and shouldn’t be treated as such. So, she/he as an assistant host should be elective. Plus, consider what type of party you are hosting. A loud drink-fest is not an appropriate setting for children.

Teachable Moment Pro-Tip

Parent and plan your party well. Set expectations and practice with your child well ahead of the party.

Suggestions for the Child

As a door monitor, smile, maintain good eye contact, and introduce yourself to the arriving guest.

When answering the door, you would initiate the introduction and handshake.

Offer to take the guest’s coat and purse and put them away.

Lead guests into the home to greet the parents or to introduce them to other guests.

Offer the guest a drink. If it is alcohol, the parents should serve it.

When age-appropriate, carry around or offer appetizers and offer to refill glasses.

Again, if it is alcohol, the parent should be alerted.

If guests are involved in a conversation, the child/teen should not interject unless he/she has something pertinent to add.

If the conversation seems to be adult in nature, mingle elsewhere.

Do not turn on the television or play loud music so the guests can hear it.

Do not curse or argue with parents in front of the guests.

More by Rebecca

How to Avoid the Biggest Party Planning Mistakes

How to Create a Great Guest List

Party Hosting Reluctance: Why and How to Overcome it?

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