Top 12 things parents don't enjoy about birthday parties for kids

1. Guests who leave messages saying they can't come without appreciation that they were invited. Messages with harsh tones keep you wondering WHY and open up all sorts of things to question in your mind. Leave a message in a sweet and friendly voice and while it is not necessary to include the reason why, if there is one, at least the birthday party host will know it is not because they just do not want to come. That can hurt people's feelings.

2. The birthday child does not say thank you after opening a gift. Make sure to thank a child using their name. Many times, preschoolers like to have their guest sit next to them when they open a gift. This helps a child early on learn manners and appreciation but in these years, you see a lot of hugging as thank you"d too.

3. Arriving LATE or picking up a child LATE. For birthday parties held at restaurants, or other locations, another birthday party may be scheduled right after yours and it is not the responsibility of the location or the birthday host to wait for your child to get picked up.

Don't ever assume your child will be driven home unless agreed arrangements are made prior to the party. Arriving to the party more than 10 minutes early is a no-no.

4. Coming home with a lot of little stuff that kids don't play with. The low-priced miniature plastic versions of traditional toys are usually too small for a child to use or they just don't work. Rather than looking for things to give-out, focus on quality over quantity, One nice superball or bottle of bubbles has a lot of play value!

5. The birthday host is yelling at the birthday child! With proper training on appropriate etiquette, this most likely can be avoided.

6. Do not bring uninvited younger siblings. If they must come due to childcare issues, don't expect to get a piece of birthday cake or a goody bag. Have activities packed in your own bag for younger sibling to do. The birthday party may not be age-appropriate for them and depending on activities planned for the party, safety can be an issue.

7. Location. If a party location is on the other side town for a short time, it can be an inconvienence.

8. When an invited parent of a guest doesn't control their child who is trying to he the center of attention.

9. Parents who compete to have the better birthday party.

10. Do not photograph or videotape someone else's birthday party as a parent guest. Unless you are asked, it makes the birthday host feel awkward.

11. Guests who do not RSVP but still show up.

12. Birthday party hosts who don't have a timeline or agenda for the party that is appropriate to the age of the child and guests. Especially for younger kids, it is important to keep things moving along. Don't drag things out or don't force activities or games that kids are not interested in. Be flexible based on the needs of the birthday child and guests.

For ideas, see toytips.com and sign-up to receive the free daily toy-tip prior to the birthday party.