how do I encourage parents not to stay at a party for littlies?

[GreyskullsInBed]

have invited all of ds2's nursery class, it is his 4th birthday and they have all known each other for 18 months-2 years.

having invited them all I am now in a bit of a panic because quite a few of the Mums have said, child a would love to come see you friday and then in passing mentioned that they will have to bring their other 1-3 children with them as they have no childcare options,

NOW foolish to invite 20 3-4 year olds I know however they are all coming and if we add siblings into it we are at 30 children!!! the garden just cant cope and it looks likeit may rain so we may be inside more than I had planned and I am getting in a bit of a panic about it all.

SO

Do you think it would be rude of me to say to the mums (all of them not singling anyone out) "if you feel comfortable I would be perfectly happy for you to come back later and pick child a up, just make sure I have your mobile number"

obviously that isn't going to work with the majority but I wonder if some of those wanting to bring siblings will go off to the park or something.

I don't have spare party bags for the siblings, not enough food planned for an extra 10 kids, will they want to take part in the games?? Blah Blah blaah

Tell me what to do oh wise MN

bumo

Invites have already gone out, right? Ds's 4th we had a similar scenario, but luckily I clocked it just before the invites went out. I added a post script that said my house wasn't big enough for kids + parents + siblings - so I was really happy for them to drop and run (whilst welcoming anyone whose child would feel uncomfy alone)
We were the first of this peer group to do it, and tbh everyone dropped and ran like the wind

Be honest, say you hadn't thought it through, and that you don't have space for all the extras - people will understand (& be grateful for an hour and a half's free childcare!)

thanks!! that is the other mistake I have made they are staying for 3 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't decide if you're brave or mad for wanting 20 pre-schoolers at a party! Party games for so many little ones will be hard without lots of adult assistance...

Can you just say, 'don't worry about childcare, I'm happy for you to leave invited child here for a couple of hours, enjoy your afternoon with other dcs'

so should I mention it tomorrow when i SEE THEM or wait until the day??

3 hours!!! Good luck with that! (Not a huge fan of entertaining so many children in case you hadn't guessed!)

Tomorrow definitely, it will give them time to plan what to do with their time.

am clinically unhinged anyway so not going to make things worse
will have dh and a couple of good friends amongst the parents lots of tea coffee and soft drinks for the grown ups with biscuits and crisps for them whilst the kids play the zillions of games I have planned

tis easy :) as they arrive you stand with notebook in hand saying can I have your contact number in case there is a problem.

defn, defn mention asap - then people are prepared/can prewarn small siblings they won't be staying!

thanks ladies, (no longer inbed )

I will mention to them all that if they want to take the opportunity for an afternoon off then I will be happy for them to go.

party bag stuff arrived this morning, I am excited now

Just txt and tell everyone it is a DROP-AND-RUN party, all mums love reading that!!!