How Do You Say NO to a Libby Lu Party?

Why would Libby Lu be inappropriate?? Libby Lu is geared for girls 6-9. If you're heading out to Frisco to discuss this situation, stop at Stonebriar mall and go check it out. If you're thinking it's more for tweens or teens-you may have been misinformed. I know that my 11 year old wouldn't be caught dead there now(because it's "too babyish") but she has been to several parties there in the past and had a blast everytime! The make-overs are completely age appropriate. They do lip gloss and eye shadow(nothing that can't be swiped off with a baby-wipe), nail polish, stick-on body gems, and fancy hair-do. A younger girly girls dream come true ; )

As far as the two parties in one day issue; since the invites have already been sent out(and rec'd) for the 1st party, I think that your friend may be dissappointed with the turn out of girls that will come to hers. Even if her daughters party is at the earlier time slot, I'm sure that they have already checked their calendars and RSVP'd to the first one. Two parties in one day makes for a long day for the children (not to mention the parents). Your friends party might be more memorable if they were done on different days.
Good Luck!
S.

I agree with Sara G.

Libby Lu parties are great for 6 year olds. My daughter has loved going to these. It is a chance to play dress up with friends in a fun way. There are usually 3 choices for the look the girls want. Your friend could guide her daughter to choose the one she finds most appropriate. Libby Lu is riding on the Hannah Montana bandwagon right now. Has your friend seen this show? Hannah/Miley is a character that makes good choices (or at least always tries to) and she is dressed covering all the parts.

Having 2 parties to go to in one day, especially this close together, will put a strain on parents. Since the invites have already gone out to the Libby Lu party, perhaps your friend can choose a different day. Otherwise, the attendance may be very disappointing for her daughter.

Is the day in question your friend's daughter's actual birthday? If she decides to proceed with the party at that time on that day, there is her out for the Libby Lu party. Or if she is having the family over to celebrate at that time, there would be another way to opt out of the party.

M.,
I wanted to let you know that I totally understand the concern with Libby Lu!! My biggest concern was not the play make up, or the hair do's, but the inappropriate outfits. We are a very modest family, and my children are not allowed to wear anything that does not have sleeves, or that shows their stomachs (yep its only one piece swimwear for my 6 & 3 year old girls). Soo..one day we were at the mall and grandma wanted to let them have the experience, I went in to check it out, and showed my oldest some of the attire, and SHE decided that she wanted to keep her t shirt on under the dress up. For me, that not only make me proud of her decision, but proved to me that she was aware and able to make good decisions. That being said, I would now allow her to attend the party (with me there probably) but still completely understand and support your friends concerns. I dont think anything has to be said to justify her reason for not going though, only a simple thanks and I am sorry, but we wont be able to attend. I too suggest though that the parties are not held on the same day. The other girls will be very excited about the Libby Lu thing (if they are able to attend both) and it may be a hot topic at the first party. Her daughter may feel uncomfortable and even upset if she is not able to attend. I would suggest the next weekend or something if possible. Good luck, and have fun in Frisco! ~A.~

You have a lot of great advice and I know your friend will do what is best. Instead of looking at this as a Libby Lu situation, maybe she should evaluate the big picture. I have been trying to raise my children that there is a time and place for everything. Play makeup, play clothes, etc. are all fine in the proper setting. This is the correct age to teach modesty and understanding boundaries in public. The outside influences play a larger part than a mother ever realizes. The best you can do is guide them to what is acceptable. It is also important to set an example. I do not allow beauty magazines, even teen and pre-teen ones, in our house. There are plenty of books in the library that have the same information as the magazines that. I have spent a lot of time explaining to my girls that those magazines are a killer to any self-esteem a woman has and should have warning labels on them. I have a friend who is 30 and she now understands what I teach my girls. She has been influenced by those magazines since she was 17 and it made her so vain and aware of her imperfections. Good luck. I am sure your circle of friends will be fine.

I would just politely smile and thank her and let her know you already had a family commitment that afternoon. You don't owe anyone details or an explanation. And I think you should be the one to decline, not your daughter. I don't think it is necessary for you to let her know in any way that you think it is inappropriate. She may figure that out when everyone has a reason that their kid can't stay for it. That is a lot to ask for everyone I think. What's a Libby Lu party anyway?

H.

I really think your friend is doing a good thing by sticking up for what she believes to be inappropriate for her daughter. I think as mothers we shouldn't judge other mothers, so rather than say it's an inapproprate just say she can't attend the event. However, she shouldn't plan a party for earlier in the day. The turn out won't be good, as that's too close to the other party. Plus I hate the thought of girls comparing the two parties.

Please share with your friend that she isn't alone. My sister is very careful with my niece (age 10) about the images she sees. They don't read fashion magazines, watch cable TV or talk about diet, fat or anything like that. My sister doesn't bring in diet soda or low fat food. She feels like eveyday young girls are boomarded with false images of beauty. they are both healthy, and fit. They live in Colorado so they hike and my niece plays sports. It's a hard battle.

I have two boys...so I have a different mission...teaching them to respect girls. :-)

Her choice for Libby Lou is her choice. As for the question of tactfully saying, sorry, but no thanks. Thank you so much for the invitation, I am sorry, but with her party in the morning, we have already made family plans in the afternoon. I hope you all have a great time. Susie will be sorry she couldnt attend.

Good luck
P.