Some have told me that they think being a good host or hostess is an art form, but I disagree. I think that hosting is a skill and can be learned and practiced just like any other skill. Since we are such a social society, it only stands to reason that, as parents, we should spend some time teaching our children how to be good (or at least, adequate) hosts and hostesses.
I know this sounds a little old-fashioned, and maybe even sounds like some sort of parenting advice you would read in an old, Victorian book geared toward the upper class–but I’m not necessarily talking about hosting balls and galas–learning how to host a birthday party or a small dinner are perfectly reasonable aspirations for just about anyone. Think of it as giving your child just a little more social confidence. Parties and social activities can be anxiety-inducing and it helps if a person has practice and knows what is expected.
We can help our children learn how and when to send out invitations, as well as how to evaluate who to invite to a party to provide for a good “mix.” We can also help them learn what a good host does–greets the guests individually, makes sure to play or chat with everyone instead of hanging out with one or two people, makes sure to serve the guests first and make sure everyone knows where the food, beverages, toys and the bathroom are, etc. If, as parents, we take over all the hosting duties when our children have parties, they will never learn how to do those things themselves.
I have been a fairly regular “hostess” since my kids were tiny, so they have grown up with it. I’ve included them in on everything from planning menus, to greeting people when they come through the door. Now that my kids are older they have appropriated the word “entertaining” for mine and our parties and they will tease me, “Planning any entertaining this weekend, Mom?” Still, all kidding aside, I hope that they have learned something about hosting (and I know they’ve learned through having their own “kid” parties too) and will feel comfortable and confident should they choose to do their own entertaining as adults.
See Also: How to Host a Fitness Party
How to Teach Your Kids Good Manners