[jamiec_87]

ok, so i know that there are a lot of posts about no kids.. well i dont want kids at the reception because they run around, and the parents aren't able to enjoy themselves and dance. so, i think i am going to ask my fiance's sister (who works at a day care) to ask one of her co-workers if they want to make some money and watch some kids. We though.. about $200 from 5-11. does that sound reasonable... but i think there will be a lot of kids so we might have to get 2 people.. anyway..my question.. i want "adult" children there..like over the age of 13 or so.. should I put on my invitation Adults only..and then put teenagers welcome, but there will be on-sight child-sitting for all others. " is that too rude.. b/c my fiance's step-sister is 14 and i want her to be there.. but i can't invite some and not others..so i thought by making a certain age cut off.. then it would be ok.. *I just want to show that no wild "children" are well ...for lack of better term.... not welcome.

[Etiquette Now]

Dear No Children,

It isn't polite or appropriate to mention anything about children on the invitations. Many times couples will include a note about the sitter as an enclosure. You could mention that there will be a care provider for children under the age of 13 during the reception.

The amount seems appropriate to me, but the test is in offering it to the ladies. They have to approve.

It is unfortunate that we are forced to do this these days, but as a teacher and mother I do see a trend of 'non-parenting' as well.

Best wishes,

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

I see the same non-parenting Rebecca. And, unfortunately, the parents you'd wish would take advantage of the babysitting probably won't since they are typically the parents who think everyone should love their children (and their poor behavior)as they do. These are always the children with the worst behavior.

I was in a restaurant recently with my daughter (no longer a small child but she and her brother once were small). It was a "family" type chain but still, a three year old child should not be standing on a seat. The parents never told him to sit down. They just smiled and thought he was the cutest. In reality, he was looking over the edge of the booth at the patrons behind them and interrupting their dinner conversation. I overheard a child at another table say, why do I have to sit down when that boy is standing. Why can't these parents see that their angel has effect on others around them and that we are all trying to enjoy our own families? SIGH...thanks for the vent...LOL!