When we moved into the new hopscotch space a year ago we began offering birthday parties. Over the last year we have hosted dinosaur parties, monkey parties, tea parties, fairy parties, princess parties, knight parties, horse parties. We try to keep the parties at around eight children so that we are able to do more with them in the way of craft projects, games etc. This is EXTREMELY hard for parents to do I am finding. There is so much pressure on kids today to invite everyone, and to invite everyone's siblings. While I strongly believe that all inclusive should be the way of the world, must it really be the way of the pre-school? Aren't we all getting a watered down experience if we have to bring everyone along? Aren't the best times in life shared with just a few good friends? One mother told me that she wanted to have an all girls party for her daughter and there was a mother at her school who cornered her and was very angry that boys were being excluded. She was near tears by the time the woman finished telling her how hurt the child's feelings were, and he wasn't the only one who felt this way she said. I know mine is not a popular view, but I say these kids need to toughen up. Every child can not be invited to every event, and the child holding the event should be able to invite only who they want to have in attendance. That is what makes birthday parties special. If every Saturday is packed out with a couple of birthday parties, they become obligations rather than celebrations. Granted, obligations with cake and goodie bags, but with our children's time scheduled as tightly as it is these days, another thing on the calendar is just another thing on the calendar. Of course, my business depends on having many party guests on their way to the party. Particularly so close after Christmas and in a down year, the only reason most of us are buying toys is because of a party that we have to go to. Still I feel safe in the knowledge that I am not going to single handedly convince the rampantly inclusive that our children can take it. They can take being excluded. Really, what our kids seem to need most these days is to be reminded that the world does not revolve around them. If they get left home, it is not the end of the world. It is no big deal. Next time, they will be invited, and they will be invited because they are really wanted, not out of a sense of obligation. How special will that be?