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Category: Baby Showers

Asked by LanaB7

Q: Baby Shower Etiquette

My sister-in-law had a baby shower and my niece and nephew helped her open gifts. By 'helped', I mean: They had the gift ripped open and thrown on the floor before my sister-in-law even read the card. The kids were playing with the gifts, and almost ripped a plush bunny in half. My poor sister-in-law didn't open one gift herself, and had to pick up each item off the floor to see what she recieved. I constantly reminded my niece and nephew to wait until Auntie was done reading the card to help open the gift, but they did'nt listen. The childs' mother was sitting right beside my sister-in-law and didn't say a word to her kids. It was HER idea for her kids to help. The kids were not invited by anyone to help (their mother is my other sister-in-law). I know they're kids, but this was ridiculous. I don't want this at my baby shower. Is there a polite way to say you don't want help? I want to enjoy opening my baby's gifts. It's a special time that is only going to happen once for me.

This question was asked Feb. 26, 2013 8:28pm
Category: Baby Showers

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Answers (6)

Answered by Maybebaby - May. 23, 2013 12:03am

I had "no children" written I. My mummy showers invites, and no children came( although our daughter wasn't expected to live, so people understood how important it was for me and that it wasn't because I didn't like there children)

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Answered by Rockabump - Feb. 27, 2013 5:04pm

Have you thought about doing adults only? Just curious. Not that I would want the leave any kids out s it can be very nice.....but if your worried, maybe it's something to think about.

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Answered by LalaRiley - Feb. 27, 2013 4:49pm

I totally understand the fear, and now I have it! My niece is 1.5 and super spoiled and gets everything she wants. I have a feeling she will either try to take every gift away, or scream when she doesn't get it. Yikes. I think it is okay to specify that you don't want the children to help open the gifts. Its your shower and you should be able to call the shots and make sure you are having a good time! I'm glad this came up so I can address it with my SIL before we get to the moment!

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Answered by ayoung102 - Feb. 26, 2013 10:43pm

I agree with Emma78. State clearly that they can hand you presents but not open them. Also you could have someone (or 2 people) in charge of making sure kids stay away from the gifts. One adult can hand you the gift and the other can put it up so the kids can't get to it. Good luck!

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Answered by lyssa787 - Feb. 26, 2013 10:33pm

I don't think it's rude to get what you want out of your shower. Maybe have some little trinkets just for the kids to play with? That was what one of my friends did and it worked really well. They got to pick out one gift to open, each, and it was some little dollar store toy that kept them entertained. But I also like Emma's idea. Kid's have their day's all the time. This one will be yours :)

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Answered by Emma78 - Feb. 26, 2013 10:10pm

I let my niece hand me the presents but I opened all of them except 2 big gifts she helped me. I don't think its rude to tell them no I want to open my gifts.

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