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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to have a 4 year old’s birthday party at 4-5.30pm on a Saturday?

68 replies

Celledora · 27/09/2019 09:53

I’ve left it late to book something, for unavoidable reasons bust really want to give DS a little party. There is a party bus which can do his actual birthday, but only at this time. Would you be able to bring your 3/4/5 year olds? What do I need to consider/provide to make it do-able? It’d be a soft play ‘party bus’. Help?!

OP posts:
Mammylamb · 27/09/2019 09:53

Honestly, I think it’s fine. Might be good if you have them their dinner so the parents don’t need to feed them when they get home x

LaurieMarlow · 27/09/2019 09:54

Sounds fine to me. Go for it.

Pancakeflipper · 27/09/2019 09:55

Fine or am I missing a huge event at that time that everyone is glued to?

flingingmelon · 27/09/2019 09:55

If you are including tea it's perfect - enjoy Smile

Loopytiles · 27/09/2019 09:57

Not ideal, as some of the guests will presumably be 3 and that time is “witching” time IME! But it’s saturday and tea time, which works! Would just do sandwiches (they hardly eat any), crisps, biscuits etc.

DownUdderer · 27/09/2019 09:59

Nah I’d not attend

Ciwirocks · 27/09/2019 09:59

That time is absolutely fine especially if food is included.

Lagatha · 27/09/2019 10:02

Why would that time not be ok?

Loopytiles · 27/09/2019 10:03

Ratty DC, either at or after the party.

MrsJBaptiste · 27/09/2019 10:04

Perfect time!

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/09/2019 10:04

The last party DS went to was 3-5pm, and it worked absolutely fine! No one flaked or turned up late because it was nap time, the kids (all 2/3/4) actually sat down for tea because it was usual tea time.

To be honest, I'd probably think about doing parties at that time myself in the future!

Aragog · 27/09/2019 10:06

Yes it's fine for most in my experience. We had and went to parties at all manner of times over the years. One crossing a meal time like this was very much the norm.

You can't please everyone so go with what works for you and others can say yes/no to coming if for some reason it doesn't suit them.

LaurieMarlow · 27/09/2019 10:11

I think it’s better than earlier in the afternoon as there’s always a clash with nap time for the younger ones.

TeenPlusTwenties · 27/09/2019 10:12

I always think that birthdays are exciting enough without adding the party-with-friends on the same day.
My DD would have been tired out by that time on her birthday, so it wouldn't have been a good time.
But if you think it will work for you, then go for it, no problem as a guest, we would just have made sure we had a quiet day beforehand.

GiveMeHope103 · 27/09/2019 10:14

I wouldnt attend. . My ds would be getting tired by then and a bit crabby. I also think many people might like to get these things out the way first thing and have the rest of the day free.

BackforGood · 27/09/2019 10:15

I don't understand why it would be a problem ? Confused

LaurieMarlow · 27/09/2019 10:20

I don't understand why it would be a problem

Me either, 5.30 is hardly staggeringly late

ThirstyGhost · 27/09/2019 10:25

I have a 5 year old DD who would absolutely love this. We've had party invites for all different times of the day and early evening and also some at short notice. Doesn't bother me - if she's a bit tired by that time, she'll perk up! DD also had one recently where the parent had put a wee note on the back of the invite apologising for the short notice due to a family problem. That made me more likely to make the effort to go tbh as you know what that's like and you just want to make the day nice for them.

GiveMeHope103 · 27/09/2019 10:26

My ds is 3 so I'm not sure if a 4/5 will be better at handling a later day. My ds doesnt nap at all anymore so by 5pm he is already tired and we start winding down for bedtime so it doesnt work for us.
Op are you also providing dinner for the kids?

OccidentalPurist · 27/09/2019 10:27

It sounds perfect to me!!

edgeofheaven · 27/09/2019 10:29

As long as you serve some dinner that's fine. And by dinner I mean something easy like pizza if perfectly fine. We just went to a party with similar times and went straight home for bath and bed as they'd eaten there.

DCOkeford · 27/09/2019 10:29

Either early morning (9.30/10ish) or later in the afternoon (like yours) work best IMO.

I get quite irritated at parties that run from, say, 11-2. It means the whole day revolves around that party and you can't really get anything else done.

evilharpy · 27/09/2019 10:34

I think it’s a good time. It leaves the whole rest of the day free for family stuff. Much better than in the middle of the day.

Ours will be 2-4 this year as that’s the only time slot that was available.

MonChatEstMagnifique · 27/09/2019 10:34

I don't see the problem at all. It's not late. I presume they will get food so perfect time for dinner. With the excitement of a party I'm sure those kids who are maybe getting tired will stay awake.....and then hopefully sleep well after ! Hope he has a lovely party, my kids have been to parties on party buses when they were younger and absolutely loved them.

notacooldad · 27/09/2019 10:34

I cant see the concern.
To be honest any time would be fine because 1, i would be pleased my child was invited to a party and 2, we would plan our day around it.
I honestly don't get some of the angst I've seen from people about party times on MN over the years!