to think that 9.30pm is not too late?

[CMfanclub]

Sorry - it's just a rant really.

My DDis going to be 10 next week and wanted to have a party at home. She has invited 4 friends on a Saturday evening from 5.30 - 9.30.

Her BF is a girl she has known since the day they started school aged 4 and they have spent every birthday together since. They also live in each others pockets most of the time!

Anyway, her Mum rings to say she can come but will be picked up at 8.30 as 9.30 is too late - she goes to bed at 8 usually.

I don't care for my sake but I do feel a bit sorry for the girl as she will be going home much earlier than everyone else.

I understand people have a routine and a bedtime - we do too, but is 9.30 really so late for a 10 year old on a Saturday? Why are people so inflexible?

It could also have annoyed me because she made it sound like anyone allowing their child to stay out that late was irresponsible.

Just make it into a sleepover. Then mum won't know the difference

Why dont you extend the party to a sleepover for dds best friend, then she will be able to stay up late.

Does this girls mum have other children at home... perhaps she needs to collect her dd before her other children are in bed IYSWIM

Maybe the child can't stay awake past 9pm - some children are more sleepy than others.

I did offer that but DD didn't want to as her last sleepover turned in to a big fight and she fell out with 3 friends - they have only just made friends!

I think 9:30pm is late for a child who usually goes to bed at 8pm. And her mother is compromising already by agreeing to collect her at 8:30pm, not 9:30pm, so I don't actually think she is being inflexible. By the time she gets home, ready for bed etc, it is going to be past 9pm (rough guess of course, I don't know distance to her house from yours), if she stays until 9:30om, that will be 10pm.

They are still able to spend your DDs birthday together.

YAB a bit U.

All good comments but I know this family well and they have no problems with transport/other kids.

The girl can stay awake - all night - I have first hand experience and that's why no sleepover!

I am suffering today as my DC had a late night and they are very grumpy today. So I think YABU - a bit.

Thanks for offering some perspective.

I graciously accept that IAB a bit U!

You're right Pavlov - at least she is coming - DD would have been gutted if she hadn't come atall.

Just so everyones happy and no one gets collected early could you not start the party an hour early . Think Take away and big big glass of wine at the end of it and an hour early at that . LOL

Great idea slackey - I will probably NEED a big glass of wine anyway - think I might do that.

See, this is why I love MN - it makes you see things clearly when you are all clogged up with negativity!!!!

I think 9.30 is quite late. I wouldn't like my ds (10)staying out that late and he is also one that can stay up all night. But it would disrupt the whole family if he came in wired at 9.30. However I would still send him and would still pick him up at 9.30, but would inwardly be groaning.

The hour early thing should be easy to arrange and everyones happy . LOL Think VINO