What age can you leave them at birthday parties?

[flamebat]

I know she's not ready yet... but I was wondering - what age can you take your child to another child's birthday party and just leave them, so that you get an afternoon of blissful peace???

At the moment she's 2 1/2, and I wouldn't wish anyone a party of toddlers singlehanded, but when can you do it??? Are there parents who just always leave, regardless of age?

I'm assuming about 5 ish when they have started proper school.

What's the general idea?

Message withdrawn

I left DS for the first time last week, he is 4.3 but has started school. It was a party consisting mainly of children from the two reception classes.

Actually I didn't technically leave him, my friend took her DD and my DS and I did the pick up.

He is going to another one today, so we shall see if I have the nerve to leave him and go back.

My friend thinks I am a paranoid Mummy, she probably "engineered" last weeks drop off.

I've left ds1 at just one - he's 4.5 now. It depends where it is as well and how confident I am that they can't get out, get taken out, that the adults are going to be watching properly. I make that assessment when I get there and if I'm uncomfortable with it then I stay.

I think it's also very much up to the party organiser. I'd be well peeved if the parent of a 3 year old left them at a party I was hosting. I think it's polite to ask if they would like you to stay up until they are quite a bit older, 6 or 7. The mum may well appreciate an extra pair of hands.

Yes I agree - also they may need help at the toilet and if you are the only adult there that would be very tricky.

From nursery age any parties mine were at the parents didn't stay. At nursery they manage toilets fine. These were all in halls where the party was the only thing in there. I always made sure kids knew where the toilet was before going.

If it was a softplay venue or similar I would stay even if sitting round the corner. As these are big busy places and even if security is good I wouldn't want to be responsible for 20+ kids under 5yrs I didn't reaLLY know in a place like that.

I would say school age (about 5 yrs).

DS1 from about 5.5, DS2 from just before he was 4

Its a bit much to expect isn,t it to have to run a party and toilet and comfort under 4's. For DD's first party (at 5yrs) I put a space for a contact number on the invites. I didn't know many of them and wanted to make sure i wasn't left with a a screamer. Of course at least 25% never bother to RSVP anyway and just turned up. Those who did RSVP did put on numbers. A good idea whatever age in case of mishaps.

4/5 is the first time I experienced lots of parents dropping and running.