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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU (and a complete nob) to wear a sash/badge at sons birthday party?

53 replies

Acunningruse · 30/09/2017 11:15

DS has just started in reception and its his birthday party tomorrow. Loads of kids coming from school which is great, but as DH and I don't always do pick up/drop off, not many parents may know who we are.

I've walked into kids parties before where you have no idea who the hosts are and it's a bit awkward as you don't know who's 'in charge' or who to introduce yourself to.

WIBU to wear some kind of identifier (badge? sash? something else?)to show we are the hosts? Obviously ideally we would be at the door greeting guests on arrival but I sense a party of 30 5 year olds just isn't going to go that smoothly to be honest Grin

Also any tips on hosting a party for 4-5 year olds? its the first time and first school one so I have no idea what the done thing is!

TIA

OP posts:
babybubblescomingsoon · 30/09/2017 11:17

I think it's a good idea. However no tips. Just expect chaos. And prepare a large glass of Wine for when you arrive home Grin

Stompythedinosaur · 30/09/2017 11:21

We've done similar by wearing something relates to the party theme (e.g. a lei during a moana party)

AmyGardner · 30/09/2017 11:24

Why not just keep an eye on the door and welcome people as they arrive? Confused

Ifailed · 30/09/2017 11:26

Maybe you should dig out your wedding dress - not many other mothers will be wearing theirs so you should stick out from the crowd.

GreenTulips · 30/09/2017 11:28

Weird!

CountFosco · 30/09/2017 11:30

DH has a silver hat he wears at the kids parties. If you want to be identifiable then go silly. Badge is fine, sash a bit naff.

Somerville · 30/09/2017 11:34

Some might think it's nobbish. I think it's fine and fun.

But I'm probably not the best judge of party-host attire. The first proper birthday party I did for my kids, was a joint 4th and 2nd. It was a Disney dress up party, and God knows why but I decided to dress up too. My nn was Minnie at the nursery gate for the next 2 years

MrsEricBana · 30/09/2017 11:37

Of course it's not weird, it's a great idea. I'd just go with a simple badge "Billy's mum Sue" or whatever. Useful for the kids and the parents. I'd be happy for parents to stay as someone will cry, someone will be sick, someone will be very disruptive etc and you'll need help. Don't expect them to be into the activities you've planned. I took ds to one where the lovely parents had laid on some lovely interesting activities and the kids just wanted to run around screaming. Factor in too that some uninvited sibs will turn up.

ShowMePotatoSalad · 30/09/2017 11:40

Please don't do that. Just go up to people and greet them. You can usually tell who is the organiser/parent of the birthday kid. They're the one running round like a blue arsed fly.

AnnieAnoniMouse · 30/09/2017 11:40

Why do you need to immediately introduce yourself at a children's party?

It's for the children, you're merely facilitating it. Let them join in, gradually it becomes obvious who is 'in charge' at which point you can say hello or offer to help.

When I'm hosting a party for 30 kids the last thing I want is every parent 'introducing' themselves as soon as they arrive when I'm trying to get organised. Later on fine & I stand some chance of remembering who you are.

If you were wearing a sash I'd think you were a complete nob. Something party theme related I'd still think you were a bit 'try hard'.

Butterymuffin · 30/09/2017 11:41

I think it's a good idea. I'd make it simple like 'Birthday boy's mum'.

Where are you having the party (church hall, home, somewhere else) and what activities are planned? Knowing that makes it easier to offer tips.

One thing that helps is to work out where you're going to put the presents people bring (table, big box, corner of the room) and direct them there once you / your DS have said thank you.

MrsOverTheRoad · 30/09/2017 11:44

I've been to parties in early school years where the parents just stationed themselves by the door and greeted everyone as they arrived. I think that's better than a sash!

SteelyPip · 30/09/2017 11:45

Well I'd have appreciated it back when DS was in Reception and I was gazing round like a fool wondering who to give the gift to.

Yes to wearing something along the party theme lines, or a badge/sash whatever you like. Seriously I have to wonder what kind of parents would find that displeasing. It's a bit of daft fun - and helpful to boot!

Original poster
Acunningruse · 30/09/2017 11:46

Thanks, mixed thoughts! Something related to the theme makes sense although its Paw Patrol Hmm not sure I can pull off a dog themed costume.

Those who said no need to introduce themselves, I haven't been to that many kids parties (Ds only turning 5 now) but I gues sit's just ingrained in me that upon arriving at a party you would be greeted by the hosts and I am concerned that in the chaos tomorrow its not going to be possible.

OP posts:
Cakecrumbsinmybra · 30/09/2017 11:57

I think a badge or hat is a good idea Op and I think it's nice that you want to let people know who you are. However a PP is right that it is usually possible to tell who the party parents are by the running around! Everyone else will be dropping and getting the hell out of there or drinking tea and chatting.

coddiwomple · 30/09/2017 11:58

I don't understand some of the comments. It is the polite thing to do, but it's also a nice thing to greet your guests. Realistically ,you cannot stay at the door like a lemon waiting for everybody to arrive!
Be warned that some guests are awfully rude, and don't feel the need to even come and say hi when they arrive (or goodbye when they leave). Just don't expect your guests to behave the way you would. Most if not all parents will be great, but if you don't expect too much you won't be disappointed.

Seen over the years: the parent who just dump RECEPTION AGED KID and run, without saying anything.
The parents who think it's adorable if their precious brat pushes the birthday child out of the way and comes to blow the candles "oh he loves cakes, isn't he adorable" no he is not
Parents who complain because there's not party bags! Parents who complain about the content of the party bags.

A paw patrol badge is a really good idea. Enjoy the party, the more relax you are the better.

mummwest · 30/09/2017 11:58

Write their names on the paper drinks cups, small kids will pick up half eaten sweets that have been chewed by someone else and have no problem putting them in their mouth but they literally refuse to drink out of cups when they don't know that it's definitely their cup lol

If not then prepare to go through 100 paper cups for the 30 children!

Therealslimshady1 · 30/09/2017 12:00

People can easily identify the host: the most frazzled looking person desperately running around Grin

Whereas the relaxed people milling around looking a bit lost are the other guests

BlueThesaurusRex · 30/09/2017 12:02

@ifailed Grin

Good luck with the party!

firawla · 30/09/2017 12:07

I think it’s a good idea! Practical, and getting in the party spirit. I don’t get some of these comments - people would think you’re a twat for it?? Really? I’d just think oh she’s well organised.

ShuttyTown · 30/09/2017 12:17

I'd think you were a bit of a tit I'm afraid

EllaHen · 30/09/2017 12:21

Of course it's fine. I don't do pick up or drop off either so it has taken a lot of parties to get to know dc's friend's parents.

What about a sticky label. 'So-and-so's Mum'?

Don't let the naysayers put you off!

I8toys · 30/09/2017 12:22

Shutty my thinking also!! Its quite easy to spot the harassed mother organizing everything.

SouthWindsWesterly · 30/09/2017 12:30

Paw Patrol - try a themed hat

www.amazon.com/Fashion-Patrol-Adult-Adjustable-Snapback/dp/B01DEN7M14?tag=mumsnetforum-21

purits · 30/09/2017 12:36

Do you only have yourself and DH to corral 30 Reception-aged DC?
Get more adult helpers!