Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Reception Child alone at Party

425 replies

PricklyLegs · 15/05/2016 17:51

Eldest went to the birthday party of a girl in her class yesterday. It was at a playgym which was open to the public - the kids all played then had something to eat. It lasted 2 hours. There were about 12 of them at the party and maybe 50 other kids there with their parents/whoever.

One of the girls in her class was dropped off by her mum and then picked up at the end.

Is this normal for a 4 year old at a playgym party? AIBU to judge said mother for putting the responsibility of watching the 4 yr old on a mother she's only seen at the schoolgates? Anyone could have been there. Anything could have happened.

OP posts:
Original poster
PricklyLegs · 15/05/2016 19:48

Oh yes, we had our notebooks out making sure the kids were sticking to H&S guidelines.

OP posts:
Only1scoop · 15/05/2016 19:49

It's 'E&S'

Original poster
PricklyLegs · 15/05/2016 19:50

E&S?? 'Ealth and Safety? I know I'm a northerner, but we do use our H sounds!

OP posts:
hobnobsaremyfavourite · 15/05/2016 19:51

Ye gods I am so glad these days of pathetic nonsense are behind me.
Currently panicking at the thought of DS and his mates out on a "we are leaving school forever " pub crawl in a couple of weeks.
At least it was a soft play with lovked doors and no alcohol.
Life will be long for you op unless you unclench a tad

Only1scoop · 15/05/2016 19:52

Glad to ear it

Original poster
PricklyLegs · 15/05/2016 19:53

I'm sure he will be fine :) just tell him not to go on any slides!!

OP posts:
hobnobsaremyfavourite · 15/05/2016 19:55

You think he still listens to me??????
Are you not aware that teenagers NOW BEST ABOUT EVERYTHING

Myinlawsdidthisthebastards · 15/05/2016 19:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
PricklyLegs · 15/05/2016 19:57

:( you could always go with him and make sure he doesn't drink too much????

OP posts:
ScreenshottingIsNotJournalism · 15/05/2016 19:58

we can make a badge for you too if you like lying Grin:

I judge people
who I judge
to be judgemental

Myinlawsdidthisthebastards · 15/05/2016 20:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 15/05/2016 20:01

You could, Screen, but I'm covered with them as it is and I'd have nowhere - and I mean NOWHERE - to pin it... Grin

Aworldofmyown · 15/05/2016 20:08
FreshHorizons · 15/05/2016 20:09

I certainly didn't want parents when mine had started school. I had small parties at home and if they didn't trust me to look after their child for 2hours they should have declined the invitation. I got adequate help. Parents get in the way and expect refreshments!

LillyGrinter · 15/05/2016 20:10

My daughter is in Reception. At all the parties I've been to the Parents have stayed. It's the whole class party phase. Parent have always stayed at them all so far. It's my DD's party on Saturday, if parents try and leave,I'm going to.have to say no. My family and friends live miles away so it's me and my husband. No way am I being responsible for 30 children in a hall whilst I'm sorting food and other bits.

FreshHorizons · 15/05/2016 20:10

I suppose if it was a hall they could stay, but quite happy for them to go.

Devilishpyjamas · 15/05/2016 20:13

DS2's class dropped and ran from reception, DS3's still stay in year 6 Confused

I drop & run from reception on the whole unless there was a reason to need extra adults.

Original poster
PricklyLegs · 15/05/2016 20:19

On a serious/not being bitchy note, I really don't know what the done thing is now - everyone's answer is so different. The only thing that everyone has agreed on is me BU - I didn't originally mean to be judgemental, it was a proper question without wanting to judge as I genuinely want to know what others do. Parenthood is so hard and confusing, knowing what to do for the best :( my job involves dealing with offences against children and I can't help but be over protective with everything. I wish I could just be carefree :(

OP posts:
Andbabymakesthree · 15/05/2016 20:20

Some stay. Some drop and go.
At sons birthday the parents have been surprised I asked for a contact number (once it was dad whose contact weekend it was- just could fathom that in two hours something might happen that warranted calling him)

Those who dropped and went often left children unable to go to the toilet independently, say whether they wanted blackcurrant or or whether they wanted jelly and ice cream or separates. Quite honestly yes I judged them. Why would you leave a child to struggle like that? Too many parties I've helped the host deal with these kids whilst mum or dad swan off to Costa down the road for some peace and quiet!

Only1scoop · 15/05/2016 20:22

I wouldn't necessarily even just drop off dd now and she's almost 6.

littledrummergirl · 15/05/2016 20:24

Ds1 (pfb) definitely not. Dd (no3), didn't think twice.
As a host I ensured I had roped in enough adults to keep an eye on the dc invited. If I didn't think we could manage without parents we reduced the numbers.

limon · 15/05/2016 20:33

Yanbu. No way.

Dailylurker · 15/05/2016 20:37

I have 4 children, if I had to stay at every party throughout the reception year and then pay the sibling charge for 3 other children almost every sodding week I would be skint, I think if you invite children to a party you shouldn't expect the parents to stay, and ensure you have enough adults to keep an eye on them all!

BastardGoDarkly · 15/05/2016 20:39

I'm having a small party for DDS 5th birthday, so all children are reception age. I've specifically written on invites that it's drop and go, fuck having all the parents standing around with tea, while I'm doing party games.

If they don't like it, don't come. I hate staying for parties myself.

treaclesoda · 15/05/2016 20:40

Whilst I'd be happy to stay if a parent wanted me to, I do find it weird that anyone would contemplate holding a party for children and yet be surprised that their parents expect them to supervise it. That's not hosting a party, that's just getting a bunch of people to meet in one place.