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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:
Original poster
Celledora · 27/09/2019 10:35

Birthday parties have been a new thing this year with his circle and have all been around 11ish to 2ish, with lunch and we’ve gotten on with our day afterwards. I guess some kids will be tired by then, some parents may have plans that conflict...but I think we’ll go for it. DS will love it either way.

OP posts:
Coconutbug · 27/09/2019 10:37

I think it's fine we have been invited to several parties at that time next month. I think you will need to consider doing some sort of food option. I know my DD doesn't eat dinner until 6 but alot of other children I know have it alot earlier!

Livpool · 27/09/2019 10:37

Sounds fine to me

Loveislandaddict · 27/09/2019 10:38

Absolutely fine.

MsTSwift · 27/09/2019 11:25

Just you wait until you are collecting 13 year olds at 9.30 pm on Saturday night - did think bad thoughts about those parents who also lived in the middle of nowhere.. Hmm

Aprillygirl · 27/09/2019 11:31

Confused here. I mean, providing there'll be food at it, you couldn't pick a more perfect time for a kid's party could you?

user1471462209 · 27/09/2019 11:55

I had DDs birthday 4-6. It was fine.

Answerthequestion · 27/09/2019 12:00

I’d love you forever because I wouldn’t have to feed my child as you’d be doing it. Result :)

Original poster
Celledora · 27/09/2019 12:37

I really appreciate the opinions here, thank you everyone! There are a few people saying it’s an inconvenient time and I guess we all have different routines but am relieved to see it’d work for most. Now, need to plan food. Can you tell this is PFB? Haven’t done this before 🤪

OP posts:
LaurieMarlow · 27/09/2019 12:41

Just do something simple for food - Pizza/sandwiches that sort of thing.

They never eat much non sweet stuff ime.

Aragog · 27/09/2019 12:42

I also think many people might like to get these things out the way first thing and have the rest of the day free.

Was always the opposite when dd was small, and pretty much all parties we had and she went to were late afternoon. Its not even like its after school so tired from a day at school/preschool. Its a weekend, so people who have children who are likely to get tired can always choose to say no, or have a quiet morning to attend.

Aragog · 27/09/2019 12:44

Just you wait until you are collecting 13 year olds at 9.30 pm on Saturday night

17y at midnight tonight - well dh is anyway. Normally she'd stay over but her and dh have plans meaning they have to be up early tomorrow.

TheyWentToSeaInASieve · 27/09/2019 13:00

Those who still nap would have slept already, so seems fine. What a lovely idea:-)

CroissantsAtDawn · 27/09/2019 13:02

Totally normal time here in France.

And here nobody provides food beyond cake and sweets (although I know the UK eats a lot earlier).

TheyWentToSeaInASieve · 27/09/2019 13:03

Foodwise, a good way to avoid waste is prepare a little box of food (and they look lovely): one mini sandwich (I did teeny cheese baguettes -- 25p in Aldi, split into three), a juice, a little cake and some grapes. They all feel special opening up a little box of food too.

Aragog · 27/09/2019 13:19

We have also done food boxes in the past when dd was small.

We added a reply slip to the party invitation. They choose a sandwich filling (think it was cheese, ham or jam) and a drink choice (orange, apple, water or milk) and then we added a small bag of crisps (like Pom Bear, etc) maybe a cheese portion, some fruit/veg (often not eaten!) and a bun/biscuit.

Also meant you were more likely to get an RSVP. Though I did make one or two spare incase.

Etino · 27/09/2019 13:25

Aprillygirl

Confused here. I mean, providing there'll be food at it, you couldn't pick a more perfect time for a kid's party could you?
^what @Aprillygirl said.

cinderellainyellakissedafella · 27/09/2019 13:31

My two year old is going to the circus with the family in a few weeks. The show starts at 7pm . So yes a later birthday Party is no issue for us.

EmeraldShamrock · 27/09/2019 13:34

Yes it is fine. My 4 yo would be delighted. It is probably better for many as there are activities always booked on a Saturday morning.

zzzzzzzz12345 · 27/09/2019 13:39

I think it’s the perfect time because it spans teatime? Struggle to see any reasonable objection!

zzzzzzzz12345 · 27/09/2019 13:40

Cinderella, that’s amazing! We’ve only just starTed taking my 8 year old to shows at that time becaus she’s too tired by the end. How on earth will a two year old cope!?

AJPTaylor · 27/09/2019 13:56

Best advice I ever had 're party food.
Do twice as many sausages as you think you will need.
Do half as many sandwiches as you think you need.

Loopytiles · 27/09/2019 13:57

Yeah, sandwiches don’t get eaten! Crisps for carbs Grin

painauchocolat84 · 27/09/2019 16:17

Of course that time is fine! Surely nobody puts their child to bed around 5.30? Confused

intermittentfasting · 27/09/2019 16:30

That time is perfect, lunchtime parties cut the day in half meaning you can't really do much before or after and class with nap time for younger guests.
You obviously need to provide food.

Will the bus be moving?? I can see a lot of children falling over if that's the case. I've never heard of a children's party bus so I'm not sure what you mean.