DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter has been to about 40 bar mitzvahs this school year. This weekend happens to be her good friend's bat mitzvah. This is supposed to be the last one of the school year because everyone leaves for sleepaway camp next weekend. Yesterday, my daughter told me that she was not in the mood to go to another one this weekend because she is sick of them and just wants to relax at home. I agree that she needs rest, but she has already responded that she will be in attendance. I think that it is wrong to not show up, especially because she is pretty good friends with this girl. We also already bought her a gift. What is the right thing to do? -- Conflicted Parent, White Plains, New York
DEAR CONFLICTED PARENT: Burnout from the rotation of celebratory parties is real. Many teenagers talk about how overwhelming it can feel. Never mind the parents who are funding gifts for so many of these events. Still, it is important for your daughter to understand the importance of honoring her commitments.
Urge her to attend the party. Remind her that this is her good friend whom she doesn't want to disappoint. Point out as well that summer fun is just around the corner. She has this one last responsibility -- where she will have a great time once she gets there -- and then she can relax. Follow up by getting her to the event.