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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

WIBU to have a 5 year old's birthday party 6pm-8pm on a Saturday night?

113 replies

emsyj · 07/04/2015 14:32

I think I already know the answer to this one but I'm clutching desperately at straws... there's a great venue that I could hire for DD1's birthday party but they will only offer exclusive use outside normal opening hours. this translates as either 5pm-7pm on weeknights (not Fridays) or 6pm-8pm weekends. I think that's too late but I really want the party there! It must be exclusive use as otherwise the numbers mean it would be more expensive to pay per head than the private hire charge, plus it's a popular place and DD1 is very shy and is unlikely to join in if there are crowds of other older kids there that she doesn't know. This place is popular with older kids as it has one of those huge high slides that you use a mat for and also a climbing wall.

So, how unpopular would I be in the school playground if I arrange a party at that hour...? if it helps, siblings would be welcome to come along although the sit-down party food can only cater for a limited number due to the size of the room so they wouldn't be able to have the party tea.

OP posts:

WorraLiberty · 07/04/2015 15:44

Yes, I think it's too late.

Has your DD asked for this particular venue? Can you suggest other ones to her?

Coconutty · 07/04/2015 15:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

threegoingonthirty · 07/04/2015 15:50

I wouldn't go. My 5 year old gets really tired and goes to bed at 7 - on the odd occasion that she has stayed up until 9, which would be what would happen, she's been tired for weeks.

crazykat · 07/04/2015 15:51

At that age I'd have to decline. A lot of 4/5 year olds would be falling asleep at the party.

A venue with a huge drop slide and climbing wall sounds more suited to slightly older children, not all 4/5 year olds would be able to go on the slide or climbing wall but my 6 and 7 year olds would love it and if it was one of them invited to a party at that time I'd have no problem taking them.

ThinkIveBeenHacked · 07/04/2015 15:55

Id much sooner a really early time than really late. Would they open an hour earlier and give you two hours exvlusove use?

lollipop28 · 07/04/2015 15:55

way too late. By 5 year old is in bed at 7pm.

kelda · 07/04/2015 15:56

Too late. It will be fine in a couple of years.

FrenchJunebug · 07/04/2015 16:37

too late. The kids will be tired after a long day and not enjoy the party.

Littlemonstersrule · 07/04/2015 16:40

Wouldnt bother me but we never did the 6pm bedtime that many subscribe too.

CapnMurica · 07/04/2015 16:43

I would have let mine go. BUT, at five they might very well have been grumpy and starting to nod off by about 730. They are 6 now and can cope with a much later bedtime - I think because they are more used to school? Remember at 5, they will be in Reception which is a horrible time for small children to adapt to structure and early mornings and having to do as they're told!

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 07/04/2015 16:44

I would have taken DS as he's a night owl

If I took DD she would ruin it for everyone with a tired melt down

ChaiseLounger · 07/04/2015 16:47

I wouldn't mind, but I suspect most of the parents I know would think it was far too late.

BirdInTheRoom · 07/04/2015 16:49

I have been to 3 x five year old parties at that time during my DC's first year at school. It did seem a bit late but we still went, as did loads of other chidren. A lot of venues offer exclusive hire after 6pm and I think it's a good idea.

Perhaps you could finish the party at 7.30pm instead of 8pm which doesn't seem so bad?

TheJiminyConjecture · 07/04/2015 16:50

We went to a similar sounding party for a 5 year old, 5.30-7.30. By 6.30 most of the children were visibly flagging and there was a LOT of whinging/falling over/bumped heads etc.

Quenelle · 07/04/2015 16:59

No problem at all for DS. He's always coped fine with late nights.

I wouldn't thank you for kiboshing my Saturday night but would accept if DH and I didn't already have plans

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 07/04/2015 17:03

DS would have wound himself up into a fever of anticipation by 6pm, been overtired and probably have had a meltdown, and I am sorely in need of a glass in my hand by 7pm on a Saturday...

PoorlyAgain · 07/04/2015 17:18

I would have to decline if DD was invited to this. If she's not in bed by about 6.45pm then she just moans that she's tired and asks to go to bed.
She was 5 in December.

UnsolvedMystery · 07/04/2015 17:23

That would be a complete nightmare that I would have declined.
It would ruin the whole weekend.
Saturday over excitement - have a full meal before they arrive, excitement at the party followed by cake and feeling way too tired. Get them home, calmed down and into bed way past their normal bedtime. Sunday over-tired and all over the place.

Jollyphonics · 07/04/2015 17:24

I would decline, too late I'm afraid.

thegreylady · 07/04/2015 17:26

Almost all the 5 year olds I know would be in bed well before 8 whatever night it is.

timeforacheckup · 07/04/2015 17:27

My 4.5yr old would be a tearful mess by the end of this as is normally asleep by 7pm!

BrowersBlues · 07/04/2015 17:31

Agree with posters, it would be the longest day waiting for the party and I would dread getting them back and trying to wind them down for bed.

SideOrderofChips · 07/04/2015 17:40

Mine wouldn't be going, its too late

MrsMook · 07/04/2015 17:43

My 4 year old and younger one would be fine, but most of the children I know would struggle.

AwfulBeryl · 07/04/2015 17:51

I would go, my dts would love the excitement of having a late night
It's a one off, no big deal.

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