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?

• @titchy really??? I shall walk off smoking a fag and hope for the best eh ffs*

Eh? What did I say that prompted that response?

OP, it sounds like a wonderful idea, but unless
a) you are happy to invite multiple siblings and
b) the party is suitable for the ages of those siblings, it would be tricky for lots of parents to stay I think.

I would actually be quite happy to stay and get to know the parents of my child better, but I have three DC and I would feel a CF to ask for an invite for the siblings. I also would not want to get a babysitter for the siblings so I could attend a children’s party with one child 🤷

Where are all these parties where the parents want to drop and run? I want to live there. They all seem to stay round here. I'm not very good at small talk and would love to drop and run. The odd time I have been able to, but most parties all the parents seem to stay.

I obviously live in a very weird place. Either that or the parents all know each other really well and use the opportunity to catch up with them all.

@RunningNinja79 Don't know about anyone else but I'm in the outer London suburbs. No one stays here past reception

My 8yo would be mortified if I insisted on accompanying her to parties.

I think it is fine to a run a party anyway you like, as long as you are clear on the invite, but parents who drop off aren't cfs imo.

I think you are expecting your dc's birthday party to be as big a deal as it is for you for other families, and it simply won't be.

What are you going to do when your kid is in yr 5 or 6 and it’s a handful of kids doing bowling, Pizza Hut and sleepover??? Go to the sleepover ??!!

I think you are really out of synch with most parents on this. Surely the main benefit of primary aged parties is to get a few hours of child free time? I’m not there yet but I can’t imagine hanging around past reception age. You will embarrass your children if you still insist on loitering at 9/10.

I’d also not fancy having to get dressed up to go to a party full of screaming children. I hate fancy dress especially at Halloween. The parents in the pub have got the right idea.

I’m sure your child will have a fab time and that’s the main thing.

But you are definitely out of step with most parents - we don’t expect to stay at parties, we don’t expect to accommodate lingering parents at parties we host and it’s perfectly fine to bob to the pub for an hour while your kids are at a birthday party