Would this be odd?

[naughtylist]

My daughter is extremely shy and does not have many friends. I don't do the school run very often due to work so don't really have any friends at the school gate either.

She is about to turn to turn 7 and has asked to go to Lego land for her birthday and is begging to ask some friends to celebrate her birthday with her. One girl I feel comfortable asking as we have had her round for tea a few times and can text her mum. One girl plays with her often in school and I do say hello if I pass her mum when I do see them. The other two she wants to ask, I really do not know at all - they are recent acquaintances and I'm not sure how I would feel about asking their parents if their children can spend the entire day at a busy place with complete strangers. But at the same time, I want to encourage their friendship with DD as she has not been invited to a party since reception. Would you ask or would you think it was odd?

make it clear from the invitation that they can come along as well, if they want.

I wouldn't think it was odd and I've done a similar thing since my kids were never into this 'whole class party' thing. They always preferred to celebrate with their actual friends.

The only thing I would advise is that you take another adult along to help you cope with the 5 kids, or you could even ask the parents if they fancy coming too (your call though).

If any of them politely refuse, don't take it personally. It might be that the parents are concerned because they don't know you well, or that their kids being aged 7, know their own minds and might say they don't fancy it.

Thanks for replies. Yes, I think what worries about asking is that I would be worried about sending DD off to a theme park for the day with total strangers. I know it would do DD the world of good and we could give them all a great day but just don't want to send an invite and have parents be "wtf we don't even know her".

You might be surprised though.

When I had a PFB I probably would have thought "wtf we don't even know her", and I would have been glad of an invite to come along.

But 3 kids down the line I was a lot more chilled about things and these parents might be too.

Don't panic about asking, I'm sure they'll be flattered that your DD has chosen their child to come along.

Just don't take any refusals personally.

Yes agree Worra this honestly depends upon the parents not your dds friendships. You can rest assured it's a fabulous invite but some parents are more anxious than others.

For us Lego land is probably 3 hours away but presume it's nearer you?

Sounds like a lovely idea.

Sounds like a fab birthday party. My 8 year old would love it. Do you have other half/parent/friend who will be there too? 5 children to 2 adults is fine. One to do loo trips, stay with those who don't want to go on rides watch the bags etc.

Legoland is great fun - they'll love to go. make a little invite and hand it to mum/dad and ask them directly, they can then text you/phone you their answer. They might want to know what adults are going to keep an eye on 5 girls.

One thing that hasn't been said is that while your working patterns have meant that you haven't really got to know the other children and their parents, those parents probably do know each other so a parent who doesn't know you but does know the other children who have been invited will be much more inclined to let their child go along on an outing with their friends.