Drop and run at parties..

[pennyhasdropped]

What's your thoughts on this .. planning a Halloween Birthday Party this is a big affair and intended for children and parents to keep out the cold and enjoy some fun. It's about 30/40 children and I have said siblings are welcome but need to confirm for numbers.. age range 5/8 yr olds. Why do some parents see it as an opportunity to drop and run?! Those that have replied stating this I have advised that because of the size of the party it's preferable for parents to stay with their children AIBU?

Why do some parents see it as an opportunity to drop and run?!

Because they're busy doing other things, or they have no desire to attend the birthday party of a child they don't personally know very well?

If you insist on inviting so many children, you should really make sure you have enough adult helpers, because not all parents will want to stay.

Because age 5-8 that is what you expect to do unless specifically stated otherwise. The aim is your children can have fun without parents hovering, and grow their independence.

YANBU to have planned such a party, but YABU if you didn't make it clear on the invite.

Because it's relatively normal for that age group. Some stay, some are busy and go.

I don't imagine parents are used to staying at an 8 year old's birthday party, so may not assume that they would be welcome. They may also have to take siblings to different Halloween parties, or go trick or treating with their friends.

5-8 is totally normal to drop and run, yabu. Either have less kids or more adult supervision

It's normal to drop kids off and leave at that age.

I would possibly expect to stay at a 5 year olds party as I may not know the family of the child having only been at school for half a term. But by 8 I would not expect to stay.

Yep, totally normal to drop off at that age.

wheres the party?

People tend to drop and run from 5-6 here, so I don’t think they’re unreasonable to make the assumption. You are also not being unreasonable to request that they stay, and then they can choose to accept or decline on that basis.

I think it is normal to drop and run at that age, so you would have to be clear on the invite if you need a parent to stay.

Completely normal to drop and run at that age.

Also if the party is actually on Halloween, you may end up with a lot less kids than you invite anyway.

Who wants to 'keep out of the cold' if they enjoy trick or treating?

Who were the invites addressed to? If you wanted all the whole family ato attend, is that what hte invite indicated?

I would assume I was doing you a favour by not staying, as I can't imagine having room for and wanting to feed 30 parents as well as 30 kids...

It would never occur to me that I'd be expected to stay at a party for that age range as I'd assume that I wouldn't be welcome as it's a kids party, not a family day out.

Another one who wouldn't stay, sorry.

I'm sure you are a very nice person and all but I don't want to come to your party.

Because in most cases by that age, drop and run is not only expected but actively encouraged by the party givers! Most people have enough on their plates at a party and don't want to be running after adults too.

Is it a daytime or evening party?

Depends where you are! year 2 is for us when drop/run starts, but at least half of the parents stay

At our school the assumption is drop off from year 2 onwards unless otherwise specified. Some parents ask if they can stay if the location is a bit awkward but it's usually a logistics thing rather than the kids still needing parents nearby.

I wouldn't think to stay unless I knew the parents or if they'd asked me to in person.

Have you space for an adult per child? That’s loads of people!

Yeah I have other things to be doing, I have more than one child for a start! They need me too.

At that age (my son is that age) I assume drop and run unless told otherwise. I wouldn't have even thought to mention it to you before the party.