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Is it weird for both parents to attend a kids party?!

123 replies

doingitalllagain · 20/10/2022 20:33

First kids party we've been invited to and I don't know what the done thing is, but I'm pretty pregnant and big/uncomfortable/knackered and taking my 3 year old and it's a 30 min drive each way and I'm not feeling my best so my husband is saying we'll go together so he can drive/help out if 3yo is a bit shy/clingy/upset (he can be in busy situations) Is that weird?

OP posts:
cherry2727 · 20/10/2022 20:33

Where will the party be held ??

MbatataOwl · 20/10/2022 20:34

Just send your husband.

superram · 20/10/2022 20:35

Why don’t you stay home and he goes? It’s unusual, it’s hell, why both go?

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Dancingwithumberellas · 20/10/2022 20:35

I don’t think it’s weird 🤷🏻‍♀️

HangryFeminist · 20/10/2022 20:35

Why can’t your husband go on his own?

YukoandHiro · 20/10/2022 20:35

You don't need two parents (but would be fine if both came). But you can totally send your other half while you stay home and have a rest!

Purplelion · 20/10/2022 20:35

I don’t like it when both parents go, I think that can mean up to 60 adults and it’s a lot to deal with!
Can your DH take the 3 year old and you stay home? Me and ex partner take turns like that for parties

SnowFir · 20/10/2022 20:35

You could stay home and have a rest?

SamuelWhiskey · 20/10/2022 20:35

Not weird, no. But I'd pack off child with husband and go back to bed

Wisterical · 20/10/2022 20:35

Why doesn’t just your husband go?

SkankingWombat · 20/10/2022 20:36

In those circumstances DH would take the 3yo to the party whilst I got some rest at home!

It is unusual for both parents to go IME, unless you are both friends with the birthday child's parents and it will also be a bit of a social for the adults too.

NuffSaidSam · 20/10/2022 20:36

It's not weird for both parents to go generally.

It's a little weird that your husband can't go with your DC and you stay at home though, given your specific circumstances.

DrJump · 20/10/2022 20:36

We quite often do this but we are friends with lots of the parents of our children’s friends so it is a chance for all of us grown ups to have a chat.

doingitalllagain · 20/10/2022 20:37

It's with DS' nursery friends and although I'm not overly friendly with anyone I am familiar with them and have charred with a few of the mums as I'm the one who does drop off as it's by my work, also know which ones are his nursery friends etc. My husband hasn't really done drop offs as he works the opposite direction so thought it made more sense for me to go. Maybe I'll just send him!

OP posts:
40andfit · 20/10/2022 20:38

Generally a bit weird for both parents to go unless it’s an adult get together too.

AintNoThang · 20/10/2022 20:42

I think it's ok if it's a church hall or soft play party where there's lots of space.

But not for a home party or an organised venue with an activity.

LSSG · 20/10/2022 20:43

I don't think it's that weird when you're obviously heavily pregnant and the dc are still young, which they are. Both attending every party when the kids are at school? More weird.

But do consider whether it's a small venue vs plenty of space, for example.

GetThatHelmetOn · 20/10/2022 20:45

Unless you are better friends with the parents than your child is to theirs, no. It is an imposition.

HangryFeminist · 20/10/2022 20:51

doingitalllagain · 20/10/2022 20:37

It's with DS' nursery friends and although I'm not overly friendly with anyone I am familiar with them and have charred with a few of the mums as I'm the one who does drop off as it's by my work, also know which ones are his nursery friends etc. My husband hasn't really done drop offs as he works the opposite direction so thought it made more sense for me to go. Maybe I'll just send him!

Totally send him. Unless he’s totally socially awkward he can chat to unknown mums/dads making small talk for an hour or two? Even if he’s completely awkward, he can suck it up for a bit 😁

Whitewolf2 · 20/10/2022 20:52

When you go to preschool or school parties it’s going to be nearly always one parent attending. I’m sure no one will comment if you both go, but in your circumstances I’d just send the DH!

MsTSwift · 20/10/2022 20:53

Sorry it’s a little weird.

853ax · 20/10/2022 21:03

I wouldn't be surprised to see both parents at a party. Same way wouldn't wonder if only one arrived. Especially at that young age where parents need to stay.
Wouldn't worry about a 3 year old missing a party either. Seems like long drive if it doesn't suit you to attend feel a 3 year old wouldn't notice.
Take it easy feet up take care.

LeafHunter · 20/10/2022 21:11

It would be just DH here in that circumstance. But he’s pretty social so would just chat to other people/check twitter/entertain DC.

Eupraxia · 20/10/2022 21:15

Unless you're friends with the adults, I think it's weird.

I once hosted a kids party at my house. Every parent dropped off and collected, except this one couple who I didn't know and they both came. Super weird to try and keep them from feeling comfortable while also entertaining 15 kids. They just sat on my sofa for 2h, then left. Odd as fuck.

Lemonpink88 · 20/10/2022 21:15

We had this exact situation about this time last year. I have to say I didn’t even think to go along with my DH & then 2 year old, my DH was fine just got chatting to other parents. Stay home & relax, it’s easier for the organisers to have less adults too