To do a child’s 5th birthday party from 4pm to 6pm on a Sunday?

[Definitelynotagladiator]

Hi, really struggling to find a venue to host in Winter. And have been offered 4pm to 6pm on a Sunday - is this too late?
My gut is saying it is but I’m running out of options.

What do you mean, a lot of thinking?

I think op just maybe bear in mind that there will be some parents who's hearts would sink a bit, not because of having a rigid bedtime for their DC, but the time of day it is really could encroach on possibly the only time out of 7 days they really get to unwind a bit and turn off mentally, just for a few hours, until it all starts up again.

Obviously have the party whenever you want, the majority will likely go, but they dont have to be thrilled at all about it (luckily my acting skills are top notch but i cant say the same for the others who couldnt have been more obvious they were fuming!) and you might find there are a few drop outs on the day.

There will always be some who love. Some hate

it’s over a meal time so that’s win

i hate the ones 10-12 or 2-4 - they either eat a little /snack so not hungry for lunch /tea but then get hungry 2ish or as bedtime

otherwise enjoy - sounds perfect. As long as decent meal for tea. Then home for bath an bed

dont give too many sweets during party

I'd groan a bit at the invite but it wouldn't be a dealbreaker. The last 6th birthday party one of mine was invited to was 5-7pm on a Saturday - that to me is a little much, but we'd still likely accept if our child wanted to go.

I'm weird about Sundays. There's just something more school-nighty about Sunday night than other school nights.

I like mine in the bath by 6pm. Not running the bath, but actually in the bath by six and out by 6:30, bed no later than 7pm, maybe even a little earlier.

I like a hearty Sunday dinner, especially in winter, and we have a decent, filling dessert on Sundays too, something like a sponge pudding or a crumble. Party food for dinner just wouldn't cut it for me

Having said all that, Id still go as my kids love birthday parties and I wouldn't want them to miss our and have to hear the others in school talking about it.

Wouldn't love it though.

What difference does it make what day of the week it is how is a Sunday any different to a monday

My experience (when children were aged 5) was that birthday parties were nearly every weekend.

I

I think what’s useful for the OP is that this thread is clearly divided on the topic and it’s likely that if she’s inviting a whole class then it’s likely her guests will be just as divided.

on that basis I’d move the time slot to an earlier one.

Sorry I read your post as saying no one would be able to make it as they'd be at work

Same here. Most were on a Saturday though. DD had her 6th birthday party on a Sunday afternoon, but it was earlier, but I don't think 4 to 6pm is unreasonable. Some parents need to unclench a little. IMO spontaneity makes life a little more interesting.

Speak for yourself! DS didnt sleep so would not have fallen asleep in the car. That's your child not everyone's child. You can always decline and make an excuse and your child will never know the difference at age 5.

As other have pointed out, lunchtime or mid afternoon parties are a pain in the backside as it takes out a whole day.

OP you are always going to find that whatever time you pick it's not going to be ideal for someone.

It's not a time that's ridiculous. It's within the bounds of sensible. It's just a time that some parents don't like. It will be great for others (yeah no one talks about them).

You can't win. Don't try to. Don't overthink it. Do what works for you.

People will either say yes or no.

I wouldn't move it at all.

As you said, it's divided so any other slot would also cause division too.

You absolutely can't please everyone.

Weekend morning parties - hate. We had a lie in on weekends having refused to do clubs on weekends for this reason. Having to get up early and get out the door. No thanks.

Weekend afternoon parties - hate. Thanks for that. That's a whole family day that we can do fuck all with. Twats. Double twats when it's the second one that weekend. And honestly there was a point where it was weeks on end. Fuckers.

Mid week parties at 4pm or 5pm. No! Just no! That involves juggling and dashing around after school and DS did ever eat at parties anyway.

Friday parties. I hate you. That was pub night with my mates. 5 - 6.30. DS always came with and was good company. Don't ruin my one night of the week for me.

Saturday Evening parties. Can't go away as planned that weekend now. It was our anniversary. This doesn't work for us.

School holiday parties. No fuck. It's his best mate. We really can't miss it. Bang goes the holiday.

Sunday Evening parties. Hmmm actually this is the one time of the week we are always around and in a war between a party and countryfile, party wins. Thank you for not otherwise disrupting my life.

Genuinely as I say, you are always going to piss someone off and no one talks about the parents who appreciate your choice of time because they are drowned out by the moaners.

God, it sounds like some of you lead some very boring lives!
We are quite often home after 6 on a Sunday if we've been out for the day. 4 kids so all different ages and it's never been an issue.

That would be fine as the kids will have eaten at the party but we wouldn't, so I wouldn't fancy then having to come home and do dinner for us before starting bath, bed, making lunchboxes and doing the Sunday night 'getting ready for work the next day' stuff.

I wouldn’t be at all worried about pleasing people.

I would be worried about half or more of the guests not coming. 57% going by the poll.

Which could happen no matter which slot the OP chooses.

This is my point.

I have a 4 year old and I'd be happy with those timings - wears them out before bed!

I find the idea of school age children being
unable to stay awake in the car on presumably a pretty short drive at 6pm absolutely bizarre. But then mine weren’t car sleepers even as toddlers so maybe it’s normal.

I wouldn't trust the poll.

I didn't vote because it isn't clear whether YABU or YANBU is the 'too late' option. People read things in different ways. Most people are commenting that they think it's fine, but I don't think the poll results reflect this!

The time is ok, but the only issue I would have is Sunday.
We generally have quiet Sundays with lots of walking and fresh air so the thought of a party at the end of the day isn’t for me. But realise I am in a minority.

Hi, thank you for everyone’s comments.
It’s been really helpful.
To clear it up for those asking.
YABU - Change the time/day.
YANBU - Go ahead.

Ultimately you’re never going to please everyone. Some people may not like 4-6 because they’re rigid on a early bedtime, 10-12 might not work for those that have mornings activities, 12-2 writes off the whole day because it’s slap bang in the middle etc. etc. Enough people think your time is ok and you’re never going to get a full house when inviting the whole class anyway. If your DC will be fine with the timing and it’s all they have available at their preferred then venue I would say do it and don’t overthink it.

Honestly OP I think if this thread had said any other time slot you would get the same divided answer.

I think that would be quite good - the child gets fed around dinner time and they haven’t had their whole day taken away.