On a table with toddlers-ask to move?

[Rhica]

Aibu?

Going away next weekend for my sister in laws birthday. On the Saturday we are having a meal out. I have paid for babysitters to have a child free night (8 have a 4 year old and 1 year old) . I have zero support so having a child free night is a big deal for me. First time in 2 years and I am (or was) so looking forward to it.

Anyway they've done a seating plan and they've put me on a table with 2 year old twins, their parents and another adult. Aibu to ask to move. I just don't see the point in paying for babysitters when I have to sit with baby's. My brother said they are good kids. And I'm sure they are. But it's not like they are 8. They are toddlers!!

I'm so upset. I wanted an adult night hence paying for baby sitters.

(for context the restaurant is splitting the party into tables of 6 due to covid and its a large party of about 30. Only 2 children-the twins)

(also for context. My brother and sister in law don't have kids. They would be very vocal if I were to put them with kids on a night out too)

I don't think you're unreasonable at all. Can you save your money and take your kids with you and have a proper child free night another time?

I have twins, I wouldn't want this!
You just need to say what you have said here.
Enjoy your night!

Best wedding me and dh went to was one we got sat at a table of couples only!!
Drink spiller and whingers on the rest!!

@katherineofgaunt I'm not a single parent but my husband works away and Weekends. Thanks to covid he hasn't been allowed to book days off other than full weeks so organising anything is impossible. Should be better next year but frustrating for me at the moment (a whole other thread)

YANBU
There will be no adult conversation for a start. Then there’s the food spills and the tantrums, and that’s only their parents!

@cecillie it's in Wales where they are more stricter. Suspect they are future proofing bookings in case the government impose more restrictions again. Getting a booking at all was really difficult for them

Are you in Wales? That would explain the tables.

I’d decline the invitation OP.

Cross post!

i would not like small children at the table,for a mainly adult night out., sometimes adult coversation is hampered,with small children around, as they become central to things at times.

I honestly wouldn't go. I'd save the babysitter for another occasion.
Fuck that.

Id just say your childcare fell through

Who on earth is voting YABU and why?!

You couldn’t pay me enough to do this OP. Just say they need to find another victim. If they’re such good kids that should be easy.

I just wouldn’t go. I’ve been on meals with total strangers, it isn’t always fun…what with twin 2 year olds, too ?
Who has ever known toddlers be pleasant company on an evening meal.
Stay home and buy pizzas 🍕

Honestly I wouldn't go. That would be a total deal breaker for me

Visualising the scene in Friends at Monica's wedding where Ross gets stuck on the kids table all night.Fuck that op

YANBU, ask to move table. I'v 3 young children and I generally tolerate the screeching of other children pretty well but I wouldn't be happy about this. Who wants to pay a sitter to then have dinner with 2 year old twins. Even if they're well behaved the parents won't be able to engage in proper conversation as they'll be watching the kids, checking they're ok etc.

I would refuse to go ... reminds me of the time we were invited to a wedding, told it was child free - no problem, we arranged childcare ... got to the wedding ... & we were seated with the brides nephew and neice, I fully accept that they should have been included... but I had no interest in chatting to them .. and I am sure they had no interest in chatting to me. Such a disappointment when you are looking forward to meeting up with old friends.,

Not unreasonable. You want adult conversation and a night off that’s why paid sitter. I’d ask if you can be moved or pass.

Frankly anyone bringing 2 year old twins out for an evening meal with 28 adults are arseholes in the 1st place.

There is a kids table too but they they are all older and on a table on there own so they don't worry me so much. (sorry was just trying to give headline detail for simplicity)

Being sat at the kids table means you are lower in the pecking order. Tell your brother to move you or you aren’t going.

And who the hell does a seating plan for an evening meal out? I see it for weddings, but for a meal at the restaurant it’s control freakery to the extreme.

@RubyTuesday70

Frankly anyone bringing 2 year old twins out for an evening meal with 28 adults are arseholes in the 1st place.

I agree. It won't be fun for either kids or parents. Or anyone else.

@RubyTuesday70

Frankly anyone bringing 2 year old twins out for an evening meal with 28 adults are arseholes in the 1st place.

This with bloody bells on. I’m sure they’re good kids, but they’re 2! They’re not going to be great conversationalists with impeccable manners?!

Why the fuck can't the parents sit with their twins?

What time is the meal, won't it be past bedtime? Sitting at a table with tired toddlers doesn't sound fun.

If you're husband is working away at the weekend you could go with him. Do something yourself while he's working (museum/shops etc) and have an evening together, child free.