Miss Manners: Uninvited 2-year-old denied cake

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our 4-year-old son was invited to a birthday party by the parents of one of his classmates, and he was very excited. On the day of the party, I took along our 2- year-old since our baby sitter was out of town.

During the whole two-hour period, the birthday boy’s parents did not so much as acknowledge our presence. When the cake was cut, my younger son was not offered any cake or something to drink (despite there being plenty), even after voicing his desire.

I thought that was very inconsiderate and downright rude of the hosts, since I took the time in shopping for their son’s gifts and showed up at their party. Why did they bother to send out the invitations if that is the kind of treatment guests would receive? Am I wrong in thinking that the little boy should have been offered something to eat and drink even though his name was not on the invitation card?

That whole experience has left me feeling slighted and very disappointed about how a little child was treated. I have a mind of writing a letter to the hosts and letting them know how we feel about the whole incident. What do you think?

GENTLE READER: That they may let you know how they feel, pointing out, either subtly or crudely, that as not only your younger son but also you had not been invited to this party, you should not have expected to be treated as guests.

Mind you, Miss Manners does not consider that an excuse for snubbing you once you were there. It was particularly callous to deny a 2-year-old refreshments that he could see others enjoying.

Miss Manners does think that you should write to these people, apologizing for your confusion and – this is the part that should shame them – blaming no one but yourself for your younger child’s disappointment.