How likely is it that all the parents will stay for DD's 4th birthday party?

[Aderyn]

DD1 is 4 in a few weeks time and I am having a small party at home. We're inviting 4 of her existing friends who we have known from their parents being in our antenatal class. We've since moved house so we're a drive away and their mums will be staying.

I was going to invite 3 new friends from Pre-school. With DD that will make 8 children and Potentially 9 parents (including me and DH)in our small semi.

Now it seems that DD is in a group of 5 friends at Pre-school. I really ought to invite all 4 girls but I am worried all the parents will stay and that we'll have 9 children (which will be a tight squeeze around the table) and 10 adults to accommodate, as well as leaving space for party games.

What's typical in these situations?

I would have been quite happy to leave DS at a party when he was 4 if it was in a house. Didn't do this at soft play until he was about half way through reception. But I would only have done it if the parent had indicated that it was OK on the invitation. I suggest you find some nice wording to say that it is OK to either stay or leave the child. Because there is also the additional issue of younger siblings.

I would leave my DD (4) but I have seen plenty of occasions where kids do not want their parents to leave...

I tend to stay if it's in a public place, like a soft play as it's a lot for the host to watch umpteen children in that situation.

If it's in a house and the parent is happy for me to go, I might go.

Depends on the child and how happy they are to be left.

Oh, and at ds's 4th party last week, many of the children were actually 3, not 4, as he is obviously older in his school year so older than many of his school nursery friends.

I did cater for the parents. But DD's 4th party was in a large hall and I had encouraged parents to stay, as well as youngish siblings. We provided hot drinks and also cakes and nibbles.