Kids Party Etiquette

[Sallyanne92]

So DD attended a party for her class, shes just finishing reception year. It was in a hall with a bouncy castle. The parent advised it was a drop and go party on the invite which I thought was good so I dropped DD and left to run some errands. When I returned about 15 minutes before the end I saw that most parents were there and it turns out basically they all stayed. Most of the parents seem quite chummy anyway I feel a bit funny that I was the only parent to drop and go. It seems like they all decided in a group to stay and catch up with each other. AIBU to feel a bit annoyed about the whole thing?

My DC has just finished Y1 and I still stay for parties in halls, big soft plays or trampoline parks and public spaces. I'd probably drop and go for parties at home or in secure venues like smaller soft plays where there's no public access and they can't just wander off.

You're doing great op. God I remember this from the first time around (then had a decent age gap and am now on to 5 year old number 2), it's a minefield. You didn't do the wrong thing here, it was only because you discovered others stayed that you are now analysing it. Reflect maybe on whether you were happy with your original decision - I'd say it comes down to circumstances and personality of DC - but then move on because no harm done.

In future, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself, or for your dc's best interests as you see them. I try not to be overly anxious or restrictive, but at the same time I'm not afraid to ask the difficult questions or stand apart from the majority view on things to do with dc. Which is not in my personality at all otherwise, but I find it is when it comes to my children. One dc missed a nursery school trip when most others went because it just wasn't the right thing for them and I was not allowed to put in the mitigations needed. The other dc, I sent off with a hug and a smile on their foreign residential against all of my screaming instincts and I didn't sleep 20 mins together the whole time yet they had a great time. It's balance and judgement, and you are the parent you get to chose. Which is shit 😆 But also your prerogative. Let this party go, you were fine. Have a chilled evening xx