To have a moan about parties

[OnlyFoolsnMothers]

To have a moan about parties: 2 parties this weekend, the first a two years olds birthday, the other my husbands friends party with plenty of children (which I’m currently stuck at now). First of all if you put a time on the invite can the party be ready to start at that time, people setting up when I arrive means I have to spend even longer at these things.
It is so fucking stressful spending each party trying to stop my 2year old from grabbing drinks and plates and tripping on training table cloths- everything is in easy grabbing reach. No entertainment at each, just back ground music. do people really expect kids just to sit whilst adults chat. My stupid husband suggests I have a drink and relax...err ok, that’s our child sticking her hands in the ice bowl but sure.

I’m hot and fed up and would rather have gone to the park with DD, had a drink in my garden alone whilst she napped afterwards.

Im going to refuse to try and do anything social until my kids are 10!

Yes I’m a grump!

I wouldn’t expect entertainment for kids, could you not have brought some toys for the 2yo?

Just a ball or something in the garden- wasn’t expecting a soft play centre. Next time I will! ...wait, no next time

Yanbu.

Go home and relax!

I wouldn’t expect entertainment for kids

On a hot day? Or at a kids party?!

Stick a paddling pool on the grass, a few balls to kick, water pistols, a frisbee...

Otherwise the kids will drive you all mad with boredom!

It is so fucking stressful spending each party trying to stop my 2year old from grabbing drinks and plates and tripping on training table cloths- everything is in easy grabbing reach.

Well that's just parenting isn't it?

Just stop going to parties if you don't enjoy them.

I mean this kindly but YAB a little U. That two year old is your responsibility so either you spend parties herding her like a rowdy cat (miserable) or you book a sitter (costly and not always available) or you rsvp 'thanks but we've plans that day' and stay home doing something you love and enjoy.

The good news is in a few short years you can sit back with a drink and watch the new generation of two year old owners have to chase their offspring about 57 times an hour.

And as for the timing of the setting up not being to your liking, perhaps you could turn up earlier and give them a hand, once your DH has mastered the art of parenting

Sounds like the problem is your H is getting to relax because he feels zero responsibility for childcare. And you cannot relax or have fun.

Sounds shit. YANBU to go home immediately.

Surely if you have children under 5 then why don't you keep a bag of toys in the car for when you're out and about? I used to have a box in the boot with things like a ball, plastic bats / golf club, beach mats, folding chairs etc.
Obviously, if you're using public transport or walking, then a pared down version with a book, audiobook, notebook and crayons. etc.

I can never understand parents who take their children out but don't think to provide suitable play things.

They're your child and you know what they like doing best?

And as for the timing of the setting up not being to your liking, perhaps you could turn up earlier and give them a hand

This is nonsense. If someone says the party starts at 3 and I arrive at 3 and they're not ready, that's unreasonable of them.

Yeah I was being tongue in cheek formerbabe

But on a serious note, not everything goes to plan always does it?

So if the hosts were still setting up, I imagine it was rather stressful for them.

The OP doesn't sound like she has much good grace about her...

First of all if you put a time on the invite can the party be ready to start at that time, people setting up when I arrive means I have to spend even longer at these things.

Not the sort of guest I'd miss if she didn't turn up tbh.

Yanbu. Don't go to anymore adult/ family ones for another 2 years. Of course I'd expect entertainment at a kids party, not much fun if not! Those should be safe to go to!

YANBU
I hate parties though (humbug)
I hope you can get out soon, OP, and go home to relax.

To answer the question of entertainment - one party was a 2year olds party....
Also I stupidly thought boiling hot day, party in a garden with kids, something would be provided

To answer the question of entertainment - one party was a 2year olds party

Really?! At a kids party?! How weird.