At what age do you drop DC at a party and leave?

[AshGirl]

My DS has SEND so it's a different story for us but I'm interested in what age parents of a NT DC would drop and run. Is Reception age a bit too young?

[quote sanityisamyth]@AshGirl That's really sad. Hopefully your DS will get some invites and things will be fine. Can you be on standby somewhere close by if they text/call you if he needs some support? Good luck x[/quote]

I think I will try to make it clear that I will always be happy to stay and be an extra responsible adult. I also try to make friends with other SEND parents who 'get it' so that our DC can be their own little gang

At a bigger party probably 6 or 7. A smaller party at someone's house, from 5 really. Depends on the kid though.

I didn’t realise you had to stay! Have dropped 3yo DD at two parties in the last few weeks - I knew both sets of parents and she’s used to different adults at preschool.

Oops, maybe I should have stayed. I’m a primary teacher too 🤦🏻‍♀️

@SD1978

In Australia- and at 10 parents still assume they are staying. It's bloody awkward and I don't like it!

[Shock]

Its not fair on the host having to watch all the kids. I think it's far too young.

Host should only invite the number of dc they are able to look after. Some rope in Grandparents, some ask parents of other dc to help, some ask friends to help, some invite smaller numbers, but it is up to the host to take responsibility to make sure it is safe and welcoming.

I think it really depends on the venue, activity and type of child you have. My daughter is in year 1 and quite a few parents have to stay because their children are quite clingy or they have behaviour issue and need a parent there. I can drop and go but don’t always. I’m more inclined to stay the more informal the party. We’ve had a couple in gardens where the kids have gone feral to be frank and she’s been quite upset by it. Something very organised seems to work better and it is easier to drop and go if someone other than the parents are clearly in charge and in control.

Year 2 but by then it wasn't full class parties.

My DS is nearly 8 and also SEND. If he decides he will even give the party a go then one of us has to stay with him.

Also, what's PFB?

One I've left since reception, pre school too on a couple of occasions to depending on the sort of party and the parents. Her last party (old for her year in yr 1), most parents left.

The other a bjt later (y2 ish) as she's more unpredictable. Saying that, at the weekend I stayed when they were both at one as I enjoyed chatting to the other grown ups!

I don't cater for grown ups, just buy a box of biscuits.

@TGIFbishes

Also, what's PFB?

PFB = Precious First Born.

Tends to be used for those times when you have done things with your first born child that you look back on and think 'what was I thinking? and you don't repeat with second or subsequent dc.