To ask what you would do in this situation.(kids party)

[Kidspartydilemma]

My son has been invited to his first ever birthday party. He’s so excited and has been up ready early waiting.

I have a family member unexpectedly go into hospital, she is now fine but awaiting discharge. I’m looking after her daughter for today now, I don’t have anyone else to watch her for the few hours we will be out.

The party is at a community centre so not like I could pay for her to go into softplay etc. I really do not want to say to my son he can’t go but would feel extremely cheeky turning up with her, however I feel like I cannot ask either

Send a text to the kid's mum explaining the unpredictable situation you're now in.
You don't want your son to miss out, etc, so you'll be bringing this little girl with you to the party.
But, make it clear that you're not expecting her to extend the party whatsits to the little girl.
Activity, food, bag, cake. Whatever!

Do you need to stay at the party? Could you not leave your son and go somewhere else with the other child?

Just explain the situation and ask, I can't imagine anyone wouldn't be ok with you bringing her in that circumstance! You are a lovely friend to have your friend's daughter!

He’s only 3 so I imagine I have to stay with him for the party, I’ll text now. Hopefully they will understand

Take your son to the party and take the girl out for hot chocolate and get her a colouring book etc
Its not even an issue

How old is the child you're looking after?

She’s 4

If I was the party child's mum, I wouldn't hesitate to welcome an extra child under these circumstances. People ads usually very kind OP.

Ignore those who expect you to leave a 3 year old at his first birthday party...I think they've forgotten what it's like with little ones.

Definitely text the party persons parent explaining the situation but that you'll bring food and not expect a party bag. They'll understand

Explain to the party host- if you mean like a village hall there is likely lots of extra space.

I have asked occasionally about younger sibling at those kind of parties and been told it is fine.

They are a similar age range so I can't see it being a problem.

Or maybe we didn't know the child's age?

I think all you can do is message and explain. He's too young to leave but shouldn't miss out.
Stress she'll be with you but not expecting to be catered for, party bag etc. Party host might offer but take food for the little girl anyway.
I've had many extras turn up at DC's parties - it's only a mild irritation when the parent doesn't say anything and just joins them in.

I'm sure the organiser will let you bring her. I definitely wouldn't leave a 3 year old in their own as others have suggested. That's not fair on him or the other adults as they'll have to watch him.

No, don’t tell her, ask her!! How rude are you?!
im sure she will be absolutely fine OP (I definitely would! A village hall is the perfect type of party to accommodate a couple of spare kids)but a courtesy “would you mind if…” goes a long way.

Again, people didn't know his age and just asked if it was a possibility. Don't be so quick so jump on people

Yes usually a community centre party are not too strict on numbers and at that age there's usually a few that cancel last minute with sickness, I know I wouldn't have any issues welcoming another child under these circumstances.

I didn't know the child's age when I said leave him! The OP and I were posting at the same time
If I was the organiser I wouldn't mind, but its polite to ask.

They have said it’s fine, I’ve stuck an extra present in the bag and packed her a lunch bag with some games to keep her busy.

Most people in real life would be fine with welcoming another kid and there’s always way more than enough food anyway. I always used to have spares of the party bag stuff too so could knock one up in a minute. The more the merrier at that age and I used to like all the younger and older siblings who ended up joining in!

I'm glad you asked. I can't imagine not welcoming another child in those circumstances if space wasn't an issue. I always overdo the food and have a couple of spare party bags at parties, but even if I didn't, I'd just ask would your two mind sharing one (and stick an extra bit of cake in)?

Glad you sorted it. Most people like to help if they can.