"Speaking to HuffPost UK, Hayes shared that "the number one key in such situations is communication... Specifically, kind, calm, clear communication". And number two, she added, is "common sense, common wisdom and common intuition". For something like a wedding invite, the etiquette expert said that invites should "clearly" state who's meant to come. Hosts might want to explicitly state their child-free rules in this scenario - especially if the children are relatives."
"Adding something like "we absolutely adore our nieces and nephews, but, due to limited capacity, this will be an adults-only celebration" works, Hayes said. But precedent matters. If your annual getaway with your mates never involved kids, it's up to the parent/s to ask whether it's alright to bring their child on this occasion."
"'For guests, if in doubt about whether children are invited, do not assume. ASK,' she explained. 'In fact, unless it's an absolutely obvious 'children are included' event (eg. there's a big lawn outside for the children to run around in), I suggest guests ask, just to be on the safe side.'"
Clear, calm communication combined with common sense should guide whether children are invited to social events. Hosts should state guest lists explicitly on invitations and can politely explain child-free rules when capacity limits or context require it. Parents should not assume children are welcome and should ask before bringing a child, especially when a group’s usual precedent excludes kids. Hosts can use considerate phrasing to acknowledge relatives while enforcing limits. Guests uncertain about inclusion should ask rather than assume. Relationships can drift when parent friends repeatedly bring children to outings, causing discomfort for childless friends who may avoid meetings.
Read at BuzzFeed
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