How to make 'mum friends' ?

[mrstrump4th]

My Dd aged 4 has been Invited to her first class party this weekend. She's excited. We have a card and preset etc but I feel very uneasy about it. I seem to be the one mum on her own at school. How can I feel at ease and make friends? Not wanting best friends exactly just people to chat with. This party is at a house so any tips on etiquette? Do I stay? How do I chat to people? Help please.

I’d say at 4, that most parents will stay (the parents will probably want people to stay!), so smaller numbers might mean it’s easier to chat to people.

If you’re worried, text/WhatsApp the party mum and ask if she wants you to stay.

Most people are happy to chat & are probably feeling similar to you.

Does you child ever mention the names of other children they like to play with? I used this as an ‘in’ when getting to know the mums at DS’s school. Just started with oh nice to meet you DS mentions your DC a lot.
Then just made normal small talk until it flows.

Ask if you can help serving food or clearing up.

Ask the host in advance if you can stay. It's a tricky age: for 3 turning 4 year olds most will want to stay as they are still very little and get shy, but by 5 turning 6yo most would expect to drop and go unless it's swimming or some other activity with high adult ratios.

Smile nicely, hi, which one is your child etc. Hopefully you'll get chatting to a few people in no time at all. If you have a nice chat, suggest a play date and take a phone number at the time. Then you aren't hunting for them at the end of the party or at the school gates, but can message for times. Don't be shy about asking a few people for their details, it's perfectly normal and will be how all the others got to chatting with each other.