Party timing

Soxgirl07 · May 2014

Would you rather go to a 3 yr old's birthday party from 11-1 or 3-5 or some other better option? Is 2 hours acceptable or do I need to make it longer?

I'm trying to work around the birthday boy's nap so he's not a grumpy cat at his own party. But I also don't want to upset all the other parents.

I don't know how to do this kid party thing! The last couple years we've just invited our adult friends over for a cookout and drinks with some birthday cake, but I'm thinking the poor kid deserves to have a friend birthday party at this age.

Spin313 · May 2014

I always prefer morning/early afternoon...it doesn't feel like the whole day is wasted.

angelashly · May 2014

Mine doesn't nap anymore so either would work for us. I like 3-5 because then we can veg out in the morning, but 11 isn't bad.

2 hours is a good length.

Mags748 · May 2014

It also depends if you want to serve a meal or not. 11-1, I would probably expect that lunch would be served. 3 to 5 I would just guess cake.

fancynewbeesly · May 2014

We had Reese's small party from 4 to 6. I am definitely in the 3 to 5 camp.

Spin313 · May 2014

WhoCanItBeNow said:
And 3-5 is not a meal time. It ends in plenty of time for people to go home and prepare their own.

You're right, there's time...but what kid is going to be hungry for dinner after filling up with cake and ice cream at 4:30pm? I really hate parties that end at 5pm!

LaurelBee · May 2014

I say 3-5. Ds's party starts at 3:30 this weekend and we will serve dinner. Along with cake of course! Last year his 3yo party started at 4. We grilled out and had a fantastic time, but people didn't leave til close to 9 ( our childless friends). I was like GTFO already!

Spin313 · May 2014

WhoCanItBeNow said:

Spin313 said:

WhoCanItBeNow said:
And 3-5 is not a meal time. It ends in plenty of time for people to go home and prepare their own.

You're right, there's time...but what kid is going to be hungry for dinner after filling up with cake and ice cream at 4:30pm? I really hate parties that end at 5pm!

___________________

So you have a light snack later. Flexibility- have a little. And if you don't let your child gorge themselves on cake, they will still be hungry.

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Serious eye roll...

No one was talking about gorging except you. A small piece of cake with a small scoop of ice cream...that's enough to kill dinner. Am I going to keep my kid home from a party at that time? No. But do I like that party time? Absolutely not.

LaurelBee · May 2014

Lol @WhoCanItBeNow‌ Your kid only naps bc he's bored. ::feels sorry for your kid::

LnR70707 · May 2014

DS's party says 11:30-3 on the invite and I don't really care when people show up. DS's one nap (which he won't take that day because he can go without for a day at this age) is 2pm, and the majority of people I know with kids down to one nap can work 11:30 into their day better than waking a grumpy kid to get somewhere by 3.

angelashly · May 2014

lisajay09 said:

WhoCanItBeNow said:
Sorry your kids won't sleep. And yes, they are sleeping. I've picked j up at nap time before. Entire room is out.

Sorry your daycare sucks and can't accomplish that.

My kids aren't in daycare. How rude of you to assume.

? What is rude

NotSharknado · May 2014

I'm on the "This seriously isn't worth contemplating over" train. For reals, I'm shocked that this is even an issue. But alas, tis TB.

MrsJakes · May 2014

I think you've got to do what's best for your kid. If my son takes a nap on the weekends, it's between 2-4. A lot of kids take one earlier or don't take one at all. There is no way to make everyone happy.

Soxgirl07 · May 2014

Wow. This blew up. Wasn't expecting that. Parenting at its best, nice work guys!

Thanks for the timing opinions. Good food for thought.

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