“Dear Johnny, we would love for you to attend Billy’s birthday party, but first, will you sign this waiver absolving us of any responsibility should you end up injured, maimed or killed?”

Yes, that’s what it’s come to, parents are now asking other parents to sign waivers before their kids attend birthday parties or play dates!

Now, most parents aren’t shocked when they’re asked to sign a waiver before a school trip or the start of little league season. Most of these organizations are just doing what their insurance companies require: getting every parent to legally agree that they know the risks involved and won’t hold the school or the sports league responsible if their child is hurt.

More and more parents are encountering legal forms from other parents, like signing a parental waiver before your son goes over to a classmate’s home. Or you may even be asked to sign a release-of-liability right on a birthday invite! Right next to the RSVP line!

So should you agree to a waiver? Well, if a family is throwing a birthday party at a rock climbing center or renting a bouncy house, for example, the liability form is usually company policy. It’s not up to the parents who invited you.

Some parents are asking other parents to sign one before standard play dates. We live in a sue-happy society and they want to protect themselves. If you aren’t comfortable signing one, you may need to turn down the play date or keep your kid from the birthday pool party.

So have you ever been asked to sign a waiver for a birthday party or play date? Would you? Facebook.com/JohnTesh.