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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Children's party

37 replies

tkkid93 · 22/04/2023 10:58

Would you say 6pm to 8pm is a reasonable or unreasonable time for a 4 year olds birthday party at a play centre?

OP posts:
Oysterbabe · 22/04/2023 10:59

An absolutely terrible idea. Definitely would not go, my 4 year old is asleep at 7:30.

Irritateandunreasonable · 22/04/2023 10:59

Absolutely not!

Comedycook · 22/04/2023 10:59

Very unreasonable

Merryoldgoat · 22/04/2023 10:59

Yes. My 5yo would be too hyper at the end and needs to eat earlier than 6.

Didimum · 22/04/2023 11:00

Beyond unreasonable. I wouldn’t take my kids to a party at that time unless they were older.

Original poster
tkkid93 · 22/04/2023 11:01

That's what I thought. My 4 year olds got an invite for the party and I feel really bad not wanting to take them at that time!

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 22/04/2023 11:02

I would assume it was the only time available for private hire. Our soft play does parties during the day but private hire after closing to the public.

Either way terrible time for a 4 year old party, I would have probably taken DD as she was an only and its not much different to being at a wedding or family do but itll be difficult for those with multiple children.

Ponoka7 · 22/04/2023 11:04

That's the standard time in our local soft play. You can only hire it exclusively between 6-8pm. The food often goes to waste. If you can't go, just decline.

FlounderingFruitcake · 22/04/2023 11:05

No that’s a terrible time- most 4YOs go to bed around 7/7.30! Presumably that’s when they do private hire but I’m sure it’s not like that specific soft play centre was the only option for a party. What were the parents thinking?

Oysterbabe · 22/04/2023 11:08

There are things I'd be willing to disrupt my kid's routine for, but a birthday party is not one unless it was close family. One of my kids is at a party almost every weekend, the latest finish we've had is 5. They should have just found somewhere else.

moonspiral · 22/04/2023 11:08

tkkid93 · 22/04/2023 10:58

Would you say 6pm to 8pm is a reasonable or unreasonable time for a 4 year olds birthday party at a play centre?

Bit late but not ridiculous

InWalksBarberalla · 22/04/2023 11:10

DS at 4 was invited to a 4 year old's birthday party at those times a few years back now. I remember thinking it was a crazy time, and DS's bedtime was quite early back then. But we still went and it was fine - probably one of the best parties I took him to.

PuttingDownRoots · 22/04/2023 11:14

If it was a good friend and it was a Friday or Saturday... maybe.

Nursery/school the next day no way!

Kickingupmerrybehaviour · 22/04/2023 11:14

God no. Way too late

Original poster
tkkid93 · 22/04/2023 11:19

It's on a Saturday.
Not family or friends. Just an invite from nursery

OP posts:
Youcancallmeirrelevant · 22/04/2023 11:21

I'd assume only time left, wouldn't worry me on a saturday as DD could sleep longer on sunday morning and have a lazy day

cpphelp · 22/04/2023 11:22

I wouldn't go to this one. They will get the hint when most decline!

bussteward · 22/04/2023 11:28

Prime witching hour. DD needs to start winding down with quiet play at 6pm to have a hope of sleep at 7.30. She’s not a child who can have a late night, as a treat. She’s the devil.

IhearyouClemFandango · 22/04/2023 11:29

Ah shame, yes, probably only slot left. Ds is 5 and would be fine as a one off, depends on your child though

Original poster
tkkid93 · 22/04/2023 11:45

I wouldn't mind if I only had 1 but I have 2 to take with me. More than likely they will fall asleep in the car on the way back and be a nightmare to get to bed

OP posts:
Blizzard23 · 22/04/2023 11:51

Terrible idea

CorpusCallosum · 22/04/2023 12:21

How far? We've had a couple of late parties, not that late but far away (1hr+ driving). I took PJs and got them changed before we left so if they did fall asleep we could just get straight into bed once home.

I'd be worried lots wouldn't go, everyone just wants their child to enjoy their birthday party and I'd feel bad they clearly got stuck with a time that isn't ideal. So, I'd make the effort if you can.

ZenNudist · 22/04/2023 12:24

It's not great but will be fine on a Saturday. Most 4yo can stay up if there's excitement, possibly give a nap earlier in day.

MiniOreo90 · 22/04/2023 12:39

Totally unreasonable. They should be in bed before 8!

Hankunamatata · 22/04/2023 12:58

I'd probably just turn down invite as mine were nightmares if not in bed by 7.30pm and still up at 6am