Junior infants - birthday parties

[Amber76]

My eldest is five and in junior infants. We're new to this area. I've found the other parents aren't particularly friendly at the school gates - everyone just drops and goes, no chat. My child has gotten two birthday invites so far - both to the same local play centre. How do others find these parties for young kids (i.e. four and five years old)?

Both times I have been the only parent to stay for the two hours. Other parents just drop and come back at end. I have two younger kids so stay with them whilst trying to chat to parents of birthday child too.

Some of the kids are only four at these things and i've seen them wandering around on their own. I think they're a bit young to be left in this situation?? I suppose it depends on child.

Other thing I don't like is party bags - i like the idea of them but not what i've seen in them. Todays one had hard chewy sweets - the sort that you'd crack a tooth on.

Do others find other parents of junior infant aged kids friendly? We moved to this area recently and I thought I'd get to know some Mums but not so far. I can't imagine organising playdates with parents who don't even say hello at the school or who don't stay at the party to try and get to know others? I appreciate that everyone is busy - any thoughts?

I probably felt like you for my eldest, but by the time my youngest was in JI, I think I dropped off and left like most of the others.
You will have to get over the parents seeming unfriendliness, after all it's the child you are inviting over not the parent. After a few playdates you might get to know some of the other parents a bit better? People are busy, and many of them are not at the same parenting stage that you are probably. They might have older children/younger children to attend to or work. Hang in there! Hopefully you will find some mums to chat to soon.

But how do playdates come about if parents are barely on nodding terms?

You text an invite

I've found the opposite - we've just moved here and people have been so friendly.

I have a snr infant and two others in junior school. Offers of play dates have been frequent but if not you just pick the child that your DC likes best and ask their parent if they can come over.

It's about the kids not the parents do you only need to be on nodding terms...that being said pick ups lead to coffee...lead to drinks/dinner invites etc. You need to put yourself out there

Just to be clear - i'm not looking to make more friends for myself as such....it would be a nice bonus but I have three small children and don't have much free time. Its more that I would like it if the parents who we'll be seeing at birthday parties, christmas concerts, etc. for the next eight years were some way friendly.

My sister said at her school the parents were all so friendly - she got to know them well and is happy to send her kids for playdates. I suppose its early days but right now I wouldn't be happy to let my dd go on a playdate at someone's house that I don't know at all.

From trying to talk to parents outside school it does seem that a lot of kids in the class are not the eldest in their family - perhaps parents just can't be bothered with making the effort.

The school has organised a few things but had really poor attendance. A friend of mine went to the Panto this week with most of the Mums and kids from her child's junior infants group - she says they are all really friendly and enthusiastic..... I seem to have landed in a parellel universe!!

I was heavily invested in everything JI related for my eldest, but time-pressures with older children and working meant it was very different for my youngest. I understand you might not want your child going to someone's house if you don't know them, but the chances are there are parents who will be delighted to have their children at your house for a few hours.
Our school has coffee mornings where you can meet other parents and there might be one social evening organised per class for parents during the year as well. You might be just unlucky with the group of parents in your class, or else everyone is just finding their feet and getting used to the school routine.