Hello. My daughter will be 6 soon and I plan to have a birthday party for her. I would like to have it at a park but don't feel comfortable having parents drop off their kids since I don't know some of them. What is the best way to put on the invitation that I would like a parent/guardian to stay with their kids during the party.
Thanks so much for the great responses!! I have been to 2 parties with my daughter this year (kindergarden) and I couldn't believe the amount of parents that dropped off their kids at a public place with a parent who doesn't know them and they don't know the parent.
Whatever you do, say it explicitly: "This is not a drop-off party." You will probably still get someone who tries to drop off, but at least you can say you were clear about it.
By age 6 parents will not expect to stay at a party. I think you need to be direct and write plainly on the invitations Parents must accompany the child. Personally, I think you could handle it with another girlfrined. You will ahve the kids 1.5 hours or so. Set the expectations of where they should stay when you start the party. Tell them if they do not listen they will need to sit and watch, if they do not listen call their paretns. It is your comfort level so do what youneed to keep the kids safe and happy.
Feel free to ask parents to stay. I would think they would expect to. I can't imagine parents would assume you'd be able to watch everyones kids for safety. I think D. P said it just right!
I just wrote on the invitation for my five year olds party "this is not a drop off party, please stay, play and have fun with your children!"
I think it would be perfectly appropriate to simply state, parents are requested to stay with their child in order to provide proper supervision during the party.
I would think most people would stay at a party with such a young child anyway.
Well the fact that the children are only 6 you would think that the parents would stay without you having to tell them. But I would just put it on the invite that the parent needs to stay. I like some of the comments written and agree, don't be afraid to ask them to stay, If it were my child being invited I would offer to stay and help the parents that are throwing the party! Good Luck hun and I hope your daughter has a wonderful Birthday!
How about "Please plan to accompany your child and join us for lunch (or cake, etc)."
My daughter has attended several b-day parties lately (she is 5) and I cannot believe how many parents drop kids off!! We recently got invited to a pool party and she did request "due to the nature of the party we request the parents stay and join in on the fun"
"Natalie M, please join us with your parent in celebration of Christina's 6th birthday! We will be serving pizza, cake and ice cream."
If you can make a reference in the invite to both kids and parents being there.
Like if you're doing a picnic lunch or something say "Please join us for a picnic party to celebrate ___________'s 6th birthday. We'll have hotdogs for the kids and plenty of yummy adult choices as well, so come hungry. Of course there will be cake and ice cream for everyone! Please RSVP"
Hope this helps.
T.
