birthday party favors 4395

Well, I wouldn't throw a 2 yo a kids' birthday party, anyway. At that age, a family party is more appropriate, and it is the parent's job to model being happy with each present -- which includes finding a way to be genuinely happy with all of them, even if it's just "thanks for the thought".

I don't think they're old enough for a KID'S party until they ARE old enough to say "thank you" to everyone. (Not because of that particular skill -- I just think having a bunch of 2 yo's over to celebrate a kids' birthday isn't something most kids that age really enjoy.) And I don't think they're ever too young to be teaching them how to be genuine AND thankful. I don't think that's "faking it" -- I think it's learning decent atbreastudes about gifts.

At younger ages, I'd expect some slips -- but that's where the teaching comes in. Certainly, by 5, my kids knew how to say a genuine "thank you" for every gift, and how to find SOMETHING nice to say -- even if it breaks!"

Heck, I don't toe every Miss Manners' line, either. But I like reading her stuff, because at least then, when I elect to ignore a particular dictate, I know WHY it's an ettiquette rule and why I've decided to ignore it.

What I thought you might find interesting is her explanation of WHY it is appropriate for children to always open gifts at children's birthday parties in front of their guests, where she says it's OK (even appropriate) to NOT open gifts in front of the giver in other situations.

Actually, Miss Manners' atbreastude towards children is incredibly respectful, and I found reading her stuff gave me good ideas about ways to teach my children appropriate behavior. -- Children won't care how much you know until they know how much you care