Kicking Out an Uninvited Sibling

I kicked a 5-year-old out of my daughter’s birthday party. My daughter turned 9 and wanted a paint-and-sip

party: crafts and fun sodas. She invited seven girls, including Brittany.

The problem? Brittany’s mom always brings her 5-year-old sister without asking. Normally I handle

it, but this time I couldn’t. My daughter didn’t want her there,

and I wouldn’t have time to babysit. So I called the mom ahead of time and said clearly:

only Brittany is invited. She agreed. Party day arrives and she shows up

with both kids. The little sister walks in, looks up at me, and asks,

“Can I play too?” I gently say it’s for big girls only—and close the door. The party is great.