Is it rude to specify “no kids” invited to a co-ed baby shower?

A • ❤️

My husband and I are having a backyard BBQ co-ed baby shower next weekend and we’re finding people assuming their kids are invited even though the invitation specified “Mr. and Mrs.”

It isn’t a space issue, and I love kids. My mother is hosting, and I didn’t want her responsible for also providing entertainment for the extra 5 kids who would come if we allowed them. Plus, the party starts at 6pm. We’ve got a cornhole tournament and lots of beer.

605 views • 1 upvote • 18 comments

COMMENT (18)

Er

Posted at
I guess rude isn’t the right word, but it probably means that some of the people you invited won’t be able to come, so just keep that in mind. What might sound like a fun kid free night out to you probably sounds like an expensive hassle of trying to find a babysitter for others, and if it’s going to be a casual backyard bbq I’m not sure it would be that hard to include kids, just something to think about.

Mr

Posted at
I don’t think it’s rude... rather strange how you’re celebrating the impending birth of your child and other people’s children are not invited. 🤔 it sounds to me more like a casual get together versus a traditional baby shower (nothing wrong with that, just saying) so people may not understand why kids aren’t allowed. It’s your party, so your rules. That said, make it known on the invite that it’s adult only. People don’t necessarily know that if the envelope it addressed to *only* them, it means only them are invited, not anyone else in the household. Be mindful though making a baby shower adult only might put off some people or prohibit those from attending who cannot find a sitter or won’t pay for one.

Mr

Mr • Jul 29, 2018
Understandable. There’s 5 kids? Kids will likely entertain themselves— maybe get a few coloring books or suggest to the moms of these kids to bring an iPad. Maybe offer to put a movie on inside and check in on them time to time. I’m sure you and your mother would benefit from a conversation about all of this.

A

A • Jul 29, 2018
That makes a lot of sense. My only hesitation is that my mom is hosting and she’s so very busy in her life right now. She’s thrilled to do it, but adding the responsibility for her to also come up with kid-friendly activities felt entitled to me, and if I could avoid adding any stress to her plate, I wanted to.

Da

Posted at
We had the same event for our baby shower coed bbq. Cornhole and other lawn games were a hit. Beer and wine galore and lots of yummy food. We had Tons of kids and babies running around though - all of our friends basically have had babies in the past year and a half. I absolutely loved having them there and babies were just being passed around left and right like a little village of love. I loved it but it’s your party so I think whatever you prefer is best. I know a lot of our friends wouldn’t have been able to come if we asked for no kids though.

Ra

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I don’t think it’s rude, but it should’ve been clarified on the original invite. Anytime I get an invitation I automatically assume my kids are included in that unless the invite states differently because if they know me enough to invite me then they should know I take my kids everywhere with me lol

So

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I worded mine as a mommy night out. so try wording it as either a date night or as mommy and daddy night out.

Ni

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I put that on my wedding invites and some guest still brought their kids smh.

Ty

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no it isn't rude especially since there is alcohol. its responsible!

M

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Not rude at all, they should ask if they had questions. You specified “Mr. and Mrs.” they should know it’s just for them. You didn’t address it to “The “Jones” Family” or “The “Jones’””

A

A • Jul 29, 2018
Totally agree. 😬 And I’d err on the side of asking the host beforehand if I was unclear whether my kids were invited rather than just assuming they were.

..

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it's not rude i just think some people need to clarify that when inviting. But it doesn't happen they just assume that they won't bring their kids but you have to be specific if that's not what you want

Ke

Posted at
I think some women missed the point of your post. I totally get what you’re saying. You’re being considerate of your mother and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. I can say at my baby shower I did have children come and I didn’t specify not wanting children there because I had lots of other help and most of them entertained themselves. But I see your point that it’s you being considerate that you don’t add anymore responsibility on your mother but I would hope parents who bring their children will tend to them if their children act up at all.

Ke

Kesh • Jul 31, 2018
You’re welcome! 😁

A

A • Jul 31, 2018
Thanks, girl. 😊 I appreciate you actually reading my question and being so understanding.