Name: Launa

Mission, BC, CAN

Number of kids: 5

Ages of kids: 4, 5, 5, 7, 11

Problem: I have two boys the same age and in the same Kindergarten class. One of my sons was given a Birthday Party Invitation, and my other son was not although he claims he plays with this child too. How ever when he asked where his Invitation was, he was told he wasn't getting one. His feelings are really hurt, so when I talked to my son who was invited I explained to him that his brothers feelings would be hurt if he went without him, and how would he feel if the situation was reversed. He understood and said he would not go.

Now I'm wondering did I do the right thing? I know eventually they need to build separate friendships and go there own ways , but I thought when they get into grade 1 and they are in separate classrooms then it would be different because then the other child wouldn't feel so isolated. Surely someone must have dealt with this problem before. I don't really want to phone the parent and explain the situation, but I feel bad not taking my son too. Help!

Solution submitted by Bahama from Swartz Creek, MI: I agree with what you did. Just let it go now. Don't feel bad. If they both weren't in the same class I think it would be different. But since they both play with the child who had the party I would have done exactly as you did. Once they get into seperate classes etc. this probably won't happen again. Since your children are so close in age, I think you need to talk to them about one having a friend and the other just playing with them. This is where your problem lies. Because they are so close in age, the other probably justs jumps in and plays when the other is playing with a friend.