Must You Stay at Children’s Birthday Parties? Psychologist Says the New “Trend” Deprives Children of Important Experiences

A growing number of parents now stay at their children’s birthday parties, even when the children are old enough to manage without diapers or special support. One parent writing to Aftenposten questions why this has become so common.

The parent says the change is noticeable compared with children born before 2012. It seems understandable when very young children still use diapers, but a birthday party typically lasts less than two hours.

The question is addressed to psychologist specialist and columnist Line Marie Warholm, whose response frames the practice as a new trend that may deprive children of important experiences.