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June 2011 Moms
How to handle baby showers?
Right after I told a group of three friends that I was pregnant, they begged to throw a baby shower.
Then, when two of my other best friends found out, they also asked to throw a shower, so I decided I'd split up friends and family, and that way it'd be cheaper on each group (less people) and I know these girls are all going to be way too generous and throw parties that are completely over the top.
Last night though, my younger sister asked if she could throw one. I'm super excited that this many people want to help me celebrate the baby, but I don't know what to tell her. Teaming up with group A or group B isn't really an option, since they've started brainstorming and are close friends with each other, and my sister isn't much of a team player - during my bridal shower, she got super bent out of shape when no one went with her ideas, and it was a big drain on me trying to play mediator for my own shower.
Do I just decline her offer? Or split off a small group of guests for her to throw one? WWYD? FWIW, my sister and I are not that close, so it was a very unexpected offer.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: How to handle baby showers?
That's a hard one! Especially since you've already got a family shower in the works, so your sis can't really do that.
Maybe tell her that group A and group B are planning showers already, but she's welcome to talk to them and see if they need any help? Or would that make her jump in as a co-host?
Been away from theBump for a while, getting active again for all the good advice
I would just try to get them, your friends and sister to work together. I know you said your sister isn't a team player but maybe you can assign her a different task while still being part of the group prep group.
Like being in charge of the baby shower games? Gathering supplies, rules, etc.
Or being in charge of the foods to serve? Or the decorations? Or greeting people as they come in? IDK. Just one part of the shower that only she would be in charge of if she's really that sensitive.
HTH.
I agree with having your sister throw a family shower and having your friends do showers for friends, and maybe co workers if there are any you are close too. You may have family (mother, MIL) who may want to go to all, so splitting invites may not make it so that any one is too small.
ETA: Your sister offering may be her way of getting closer to you. Maybe she can help you in other ways, like being the person to call extended family when the baby is born, or helping you paint the nursery, etc.
June Bugs Blog
I think this is a good idea. Your sister will be an Aunt and you can somehow spin it that you would rather her offer her time and talent to spend time with you and help you out. My sil are awesome and have not offered to throw me a shower (still way too early to be thinking about one for me) but I would rather them come over and help me paint the nursery or pick out bedding and since they both have had kids, help me that way.
You are totally blessed to have so many loving friends and family!
Best wishes!
Per the rules of etiquette, family shouldn't be throwing you showers anyway. So if you don't want your sister to throw you a shower (if it's easier for you if she doesn't do one - not that you aren't appreciative), it shouldn't be difficult to turn her down nicely.
Of course, many many people find those rules of etiquette to be very outdated, so if you do want her to throw you a shower, that doesn't need to hold you back.