THE SOCIAL Q's TAP : HOST & GUESTS ( Q )

SOCIAL Q's : How do I prevent guests from bringing kids to my parties ?

Some people in my social circle bring their young children to all social events, whether the children are invited or not.

I used to state explicitly on invitations when guests were welcome to bring children, other friends or dates.

I assumed that when I didn't use that language, guests would understand that only those named on the invitation were invited.

I stopped making that assumption because of the small number of people who bring their children to everything.

I can plan a pleasant evening, but guests don't get to enjoy it because they are conscripted into providing free child care - or forced to be an audience to performances by children throughout the evening.

Is there a gracious way to tell these so-called friends that if I don't invite their children, they should not bring them?

[HOST]

!WOW! thanks The New York Times.