Drinking at kids parties

[AddyOtti]

I have 2 kids, 8 and 5, I'm only 33 so had kids before most of my friends, a few have had kids in the last 2 or so years.
This year I have been to the birthday parties of 3 of my friends kids, 2 first birthdays, one 2nd. The last party was just this weekend. All 3 had a similar format, all the parents friends (regardless of if they have their own kids), random start time (1/2 in the afternoon), no real end time. The adults drink, the kids run around, no activities, at some point they do cake and everyone gets a cuddle with the birthday kid but its really not about them. In august one started at 2pm and people were still drinking in the garden at 11pm!! There are always people there who have never met the kid before and haven't seen the parents since the baby shower, so it is really not about the kid!
For my kids first/second birthday we had family and close friends round. Only started parties when they had friends to invite.
AIBU to think it is really odd to spend hours getting drunk at a kids party with adults they have never met and have no kids of their own? When did this become a thing? Is it a thing in your social circle?

Definitely yes to alcohol at kid's parties - so awful making stilted conversation with other parents at a soft play place with only instant coffee to drink.

Wow this thread is refreshing, I thought it was generally frowned upon around here to have any kind of alcoholic beverage around little ones alcohol makes boring as shit events better, obviously.
What about tedious baby showers?

Better than cake smashes!

I attended an activity party in a sports hall at 10 am on a Sunday morning, the mum had, had a glass of wine to calm her nerves before the party, she reeked, I doubt it was one. She is a teacher by profession.

Absolutely. Kids parties are tedious enough, bring on the drink.

Why is her profession relevant?

Occasionally I've had to attend children's birthday parties. I don't have children and have no responsibility for or obligation towards the children there so if there are drinks then I'm probably going to have a few as in all honesty a children's party isn't my idea of fun.

That her reason to be drinking was to calm her nerves with a small children's party, when she is a primary teacher...

What activities are you expecting for one year olds.

@Tighginn are teaching and hosting a party the same thing?

Beer pong?

I think the two of you would be like peas in a pod.

Very normal. I've had a glass at older children's parties that were held at home as well. Never seen anyone drunk. Just a nice get together for adults and children.

Most of my friends' kids are school age so now having proper noisy, chaotic parties with their own friends that Auntie Que isn't invited to (nor wants to attend) but there were many, many of the type you describe when they were all small!

See also Halloween parties, Bonfire parties, Easter Egg Hunts...

Well, of course it’s not about the child — the child is one or two on both cases mentioned, and has no idea about birthdays. What were you expecting, rows of adults solemnly admiring a baby? Long August evenings are designed for drinking in the garden!

As a non-child owner booze is the only thing that tempts to go to a kid’s party.

It's a celebration

On the odd occasion I've been at a party with drink (always in a house: no soft plays around here sell booze), it's been one maybe two small wines. Most people are driving anyway so don't drink.

Are you referring to me? Consider using the @ or quoting me?

I’ve been to a couple of kids parties where you can also enjoy your drug of choice along with the booze.

Calpol?

Tbh, going to a kid's birthday party sounds like hell. I'd need booze.

It’s completely normal

It’s called a party

The 1 year old doesn’t care, so the parents get to have fun. From 3 onwards it’ll be kiddy bedlam so why not.

You sound like a killjoy BTW

Ah, a good syringe of calpol is just the thing at the end of long day….

@ChannelyourinnerElsa damn my post autocorrected to Calpol.....