5 Year old Birthday party - parents stay or go?

[Fruitpastels]

I need some advice. This is the first party I will have thrown for DS1 outside of our home. I have hired a large church hall. I'm wanting to invite approx 20 children (ages 4 & 5) some from his new class. I'm thinking it would be best for a parent/carer to stay with child. The party is 2 hrs long with booked entertainment. I'm not sure what the norm is with parents staying or just dropping off. The hired space has a few doors to other areas of the church and a couple of exits. I could maybe ask for a couple of family members to man the doors, but I'm not overally familiar with some the children. I hope some of you can share some experience.

For my DD's 5th party which was held in a hall too, it was pretty much half and half. I was glad of the ones who stayed though as they helped with drink and toilet requests. When you get your RSVP ask the parents if they think they will stay or go - i did and it wasn't wierd. I stayed at all the parties my DD attended only because she asked me to. She has just turned 6 and i am now trying to
wean her off me staying.

Don't think there is a norm per se just what each parent prefers.

Good luck and enjoy

I agree. You will probably get some that stay and some that go. We have got a party for Ds (6) at the weekend and most of the parents are staying, but lots of them are friends of ours anyway. At other parties we've been to recently, it's probably about half and half. It is a bit of a hassle having to cater for all the parents (cups of tea etc).

Thank you for your advice. Much appreciated. I will send the invites out and then check with each parent that confirms if they would like to stay. I think that's the best way to go.

When DS was 6 last year we had a swimming party. I asked for parent volunters to stay, in the end they all did. Another tip is to have unopened bottles of wine prominantly displayed, dont open until you do the cake.

DD had her 5th birthday party recently and all the parents stayed.

DS is in year 2 and parents here all stay at parties of children in his class. We moved in June and where we were before nearly everyone else left them for 5th and 6th parties (DS is an older one in the year). Would quite like to find a way to encourage them not to come to party in November tbh

When DS was 6 last year we had a swimming party. I asked for parent volunters to stay, in the end they all did. Another tip is to have unopened bottles of wine prominantly displayed, dont open until you do the cake.

I would actually want them to go but I would have enough adult help arranged and be confident in handling them. If you are doubtful, or inexperienced, then ask them to stay.