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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to dump and run at a kids birthday party?

32 replies

DeviousDaffodil · 16/06/2007 16:43

Just dropped DS1 ( nearly 7 ) at a classmates party in local community centre.
All of other Mums sat around edge of hall chatting. I just couldn't wait to get out.
DS1 has my mobile number in trouser pocket and i OK'd it with birthday girls Mum.
HAve DS2 to look after, but even if i didn't, can't really see the need to stay.
Is it me??

OP posts:
Desiderata · 16/06/2007 16:44

No.

Good on you for making the great escape.

brimfull · 16/06/2007 16:44

maybe they just wanted to chat to each other
don't think you need to feel guilty at all

MaureenMLove · 16/06/2007 16:45

NO! I've just done the same. Although dd is 11 now, I didn't even get out of the car! I think the first time I did it, she was about 6.

dmo · 16/06/2007 16:46

not at 7 bet he loved the fact you have left him it will make him feel more grown up

had a party for my son last yr i had 55 children aged 10ish no parents stayed it was just me, dh and the dj but it was a fab party
parents dampen their cred

Original poster
DeviousDaffodil · 16/06/2007 16:46

TBH I abhor kids parties.
I am not really friends with any of the other Mums and the thought of making samll talk for 2 hrs is Painful.
Would much rather chunter away on here!

OP posts:
purpleturtle · 16/06/2007 16:47

Sometimes I stay for the chat - sometimes I don't. YANBU.

Aimsmum · 16/06/2007 16:49

Message withdrawn

Original poster
DeviousDaffodil · 16/06/2007 16:50

Well it's a disco as well, thought it might ruin his cred to have me and DS2 watching his every move!

OP posts:
FrannyandZooey · 16/06/2007 16:50

We're friends with most of ds's friends' parents at the moment, as he is only 4, so I like staying

but if you don't know the people and you don't want to get to know them then I don't see why you should stay, if your ds is ok

Original poster
DeviousDaffodil · 16/06/2007 16:52

Did think I heard a few eyebrows being raised as I left though!!!

OP posts:
edam · 16/06/2007 16:57

Ds's friends parents have recently started to ask 'would you like to stay or go' at parties (they are all turning four). I still stay as I know and like the other parents but looking forward to being able to dump and run if I choose in the near future!

Wonder how many parents will stay at ds's party next month? Think we have 15 acceptances so far but at least we have an entertainer so dh and I will mostly just be shovelling food at them.

Speccy · 16/06/2007 17:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

crunchie · 16/06/2007 18:13

blimey dump and run is usual practice here tbh

I have been doing this snce dd's were about 4 ish.

Last year we had 45 at a party and no parents stayed IRRC this kids were aged 6 - 8

crunchie · 16/06/2007 18:14

whene i say 'here' I mean in ths area. Parents usually round up a couple of hellpers (grannies) and everyone else goes

motherinferior · 16/06/2007 18:15

DP dumped and ran today but did disclose birthday girl's mum was a fetching slip of a girl in very skimpy clothing indeed, so I think he'd have been quite happy to stay and lend a hand

Lucycat · 16/06/2007 18:16

Not at all unreasonable!

I left dd (aged 4) at a party this afternoon - admittedly it was at a friends house and i did offer to stay and help but I wasn't needed, dd was with all her friends on the bouncy castle so i went and had a quiet cup of tea!

choosyfloosy · 16/06/2007 18:20

At 7? of course YANBU.

I had a dumper at ds's 3rd birthday party - I was upset because I thought she was too young (although in fact she was just about to turn 4 so probably fine, and she knows me really well) and mainly because I then felt responsible for her, when I don't find birthday parties easy (although I enjoy them).

Really sensible to clear it with hostess. The other mums may have been chuntering a little but what they were saying was probably 'what a good idea, I'll do that next time'

pointydog · 16/06/2007 18:21

I've always dropped and run from about age 4, I think.

wheresthevalium · 16/06/2007 18:22

All the parents for DDs birthday party dumped and ran, TBH as the birthday girl's mum I find it easier, and don't feel so self conscious if I do daft things to amuse the kids

cheltenhamgal · 16/06/2007 18:31

wow I didnt even realise this was an issue, any parties I have ever take my dd to - all the mums have said well we will see you later then and practically pushed me out of the door

MarsLady · 16/06/2007 18:39

I always dump and run. Can't wait till I can dump the DTs and run

MrsWho · 16/06/2007 19:00

I tend to stay just cos I am always desparate to talk to different people and I very rarely see the school Mams even though i am quite friendly with some of them

MrsWho · 16/06/2007 19:01

I don't mind if people do leave their kids, as long as they say they are and leave a number with someone.We had a kid taken ill and one of the mums ended up going to the kids Grandmas as there was no phone number for Mum and someone knew where grandma lived.

newgirl · 16/06/2007 19:20

I think its normal age 5 onwards. Id check it is in a safe hall - doors can be shut etc lots of parent's family staying to help etc

we are having one for 30 kids next week so i have 5 adults helping - i dont expect any parents to stay

bozza · 16/06/2007 19:23

dump and run normal around here unless it is one of your friend's children. I dump and run too. DS tells me to, and complains when I have to stay because DD (just turned 3) has been invited too.