To put this on a children's party invite

[QuadrupleL]

Hi,

I have never been great at writing party invites (which is why we have avoided parties for the last couple of years) however, Middle L has decided to forgo his annual trip to LEGOLAND (I think because we are going to Alton Towers for Little L's birthday) and really wants a party.

We have explored lots of ideas, but he is really keen on hiring out the local pool and having a swimming party.

So, the pool costs £80 to hire regardless of how many people come and then a party meal is £3.95.

I was going to add on the invite: Parents and siblings are more than welcome to join us in the pool (as long as I have an idea of numbers) but party food will only be available for the invited children. If siblings want to join in the meal we would ask for a contribution of £3.95 to cover the cost.

Does this sound okay? I am more than happy to have how ever many people in the pool but I can't really afford to pay for siblings on top of the 15 children he will be inviting.

If it doesn't sound okay, can you help me reword it, or just tell me to leave it off completely!

Thanks

L

We get the WHOLE pool (it is a 25m pool, with a 15m adjoined but slightly separate toddler pool with zero entry). The pools condition say no adults are needed in the water if all the children are 8 or over, but for every 4 children under 8 there needs to be an adult in the water. We can have 80 people in the pool (although having been in there with that many people, it is not to be recommended!) It is only &80 and I think it is great value. He swims at the pool every week for his lessons anyway.

The pool provides free armbands, woggles and tummy bands (they do this all the time, not just for parties). There is a minimum of 3 lifeguards on duty.

I think allowing for parents and siblings will also mean that any kids who are not great swimmers can still come as hopeful their parents will come in with them.

Oh, the party is not until May but the pool gets booked up quickly so started to think about it now.

I would be worried about ratios in the pool. Don't invite siblings without insisting they have an adult in the water with them, and don't expect people to necessarily read the smallprint on the invitation until 24h or so before the party.

One option is to wait for people to accept by text, then reply extending the invitation.

The asking for money is a bit awkward but I am sure people will understand. I'd be inclined to keep it simple and say accompanied siblings are very welcome to join in, but you'd appreciate £3.50/£4.00 to cover their food. (Messing round with 5ps would add to the awkwardness.) Be VERY clear on the ratio thing.

Agree with Cressanda about making sure people know they need to supervise their kids. I would get them to RSVP if they are bringing 'extras'.

Re The pools condition say no adults are needed in the water if all the children are 8 or over, but for every 4 children under 8 there needs to be an adult in the water.

That's a very high ratio of children under 8 to adults. I can't imagine supervising 4 children at the same time!

At my dd's party we had two girls of 8 who could not swim. Just curious if non-swimmers are included in 'not being supervised if they are 8'. I must admit I did not check how well people could swim beforehand. I knew they all went swimming with school so assumed they were all OK! in the end everyone was safe but if I were doing it again I would do a tick box thing and ask if the kids can swim or are good swimmers.

Good luck. It was one of the best parties dd ever had. Hope it goes well for you all. (Off to bed!)

Re I would do a tick box thing and ask if the kids can swim or are good swimmers - I mean the party kids, any you are supervising, not the extra siblings who will be supervised by their own parents etc.

What about something along the lines of:

Parents and siblings are welcome to join us in the pool. Party food is for invited guests only but there is a cafe on site where meals may be purchased.

We do not have sufficient helpers to supervise siblings so they must be accompanied by an adult.

'Parents and siblings are welcome to join us in the pool, although siblings will have to be supervised.

There is a cafe on site selling food for £X for when the party lunch is on.'

I think the idea of letting parents and siblings join in the pool part is lovely.

But. You will have to make sure that all the other DCs there are supervised, be responsible for overall behavior (as YOU are the renter of the facility), and may need to have extra lifeguard cover arranged compared to their usual cover for a party.

And then the food is an extra hassle. And hard to actually ask for money for it.

So I'd leave it and not mention on the invite.

But if any parent asks you directly when RSVPing, you could let them know that coming for a swim is fine but that you will only be catering for the invitees, so any others coming will need to pay for themselves (you might find they'd love a swim but will wander off for a walk or take ages to get changed and hair dried afterwards instead while the party DCs eat).

I like Proudas's wording but I'd finish it "must be accompanied by an adult in the water."

3 lifeguards is loads for a pool that size, but not a substitute for having enough adults to accompany weak and/or young swimmers.

You might be surprised by how few takers you get. I am v curmudgeonly about stripping off and getting wet for parties! It's a generous thought to offer though.

(I'm sorry to be such a boring stickler about the adults. Ex-lifeguard, and parent who's had siblings dumped on me when hosting parties.)

Even if you do put requests on the invitations people won't abide by them. And you will find the headache of too many children and not enough parents. I would just stick to the children invited. It would be a lot less hassle. Pool party does equal more hassle than other parties because of this parent help business.

I'm doing a swimming party for 10 year olds but I'm not expecting any parents to stay at all. They can all swim, I know this as they've all swum weekly at school since reception. I would personally take it as a given that only invited children get fed

Just say siblings are welcome provided an adult is present in the pool for any under 8's.

Food is only provided for the invited children but you may purchase food for siblings should you wish too.

It's not rude. It's sensible.

I had one and was allowed to bring my own buffet in, is that an option? I had plenty for the extras who turned up.

As Walter said:
'Parents and siblings are welcome to join us in the pool, although siblings will have to be supervised.

There is a cafe on site selling food for £X for when the party lunch is on.'

Perfect! I would be very happy as it's only 2 years between mine!