Are you supposed to enjoy a 5 year old's birthday party??

[macmacaroon]

Daughter's class mate having her 5th birthday party. Daughter enjoying it. Sat down in between two groups of mums. "Hello I'm X's mum" I say hoping to strike up conversation. "Hi I'm Y's mum" she says and then turns back and talks to mum on other side. Repeat same process with mum sitting to my left. Repeat same response. There I sit on my own for next twenty minutes. Wtf is wrong with people? If i had someone sitting next to me who had tried to engage me in conversation I wouldn't just leave them sitting there like a lemon. Do others enjoy these birthday party's? Any strategies for navigating them without it being excruciating? I've got another 7 years is this....

Ugh, such rude people! I've also been to those parties and am very pleased my kids are both at high school (so less sociable now lol).

I'd take a paper or a good book next time, grab a coffee and enjoy the solitude. Kids parties are fucking nightmares at the best of times. Seven years to go...stay strong

They sound downright rude x

Those people behaved rudely. But set your expectations low. IME it’s not fun making small talk at these things while DC are everywhere. Like the school run but noisier, DC more hyped up and during your weekend.

As soon as DC is OK to be left, drop off and run.

Why have you got another 7 years of this ?
Leave your phone number with the hosts, and collect her at the end.
Or, if you choose to stay, make yourself useful and help the hosts.

I was at my nephews fourth birthday just today. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it was at a soft play center and I was actually playing with the kids and didn’t bother with the adults. Now I needed a nap after it but it was way more fun than sitting listening to mothers try outdo each other boastful bragging