Child Birthday Party Etiquette

Honestly, you should ask the hostess if she'd like you to hang around and help out- after all, you have a child in that age range, you know how hectic it can get!
Then you can follow her cues on whether you need to stay or go find a quiet place to read.

-------
The only time I'd ever insist on staying after the hostess says "go" is if you have a funny feeling, like the place isn't safe or if it just gives you a weird vibe.

In my opinion, 6 years old is still young and can be a handful for the party host. Whenever I host a kids' party, I am grateful for the parents who stay behind, especially while my kids were younger than 7. If you cannot find a sitter for your other two children, ask the host of the party if she would mind if you brought them. But I would definitely still stay at the party with the 6 year old.

As the mother of a 9-year old, I can tell you to do whatever you feel comfortable doing. Some Moms still came to my son's birthday party and stayed and some just dropped them off and left for a couple of hours of shopping. If you know the child and know the parents and you feel comfortable leaving, then just leave your contact information with the mom and enjoy a couple hours of quiet or if you do not feel comfortable leaving your child, then you should stay. I would play it by ear because there are some parents that I would never leave my child in their care and others that I would trust to take care of my son for a week!!

this depends on the type of party, how the invitation is worded etc, but in my experience, most 6 year olds have drop off parties unless each child needs adult assistance (ice skating is a good example). Play it by ear, but chances are the host is not planning on hosting all of the adults.

I think it is fine for you to attend a birthday party with your child. I have 2 sons age 9 and 7 and my husband and I still go to partys with them. I'm thinking maybe when my oldest son turns 10 or 11 then he can start attending partys by himself. Unless it is a very close friend I like to stay to keep an eye on my sons. Hope this helps you.

You can always ask the hostess if you can stay, especially if you don't know them that well. I always felt better if I stayed. Then I not only got to know my childs' friends but their parents as well.

I agree with Morgana.
I always offered to help the mom with the party unless the mom had a lot of other people (grandmother, aunts, friends, neighbors, etc.) helping.
The mom usually needs help, my kids felt more secure, I met people and knew what was going on, and I felt more comfortable if I didn't know the family.
I also usually sent my kids with some small presents for the other siblings in the party house.

I guess it would depend on whether you're going to have your younger children with you. I always drop all of my kids off at the party and don't stay, but I check with the parents of the birthday kid first to make sure it's ok, which it always is. It also depends on where the party is- at the park, at one of those party places, at their home. Best thing- ask the parents if you should stay or not, I guess. A couple weeks ago, I got to drop 2 kids off at 2 different parties and spend time alone with a third.

call and ask the mom or take a peek when you get there and see if other mommas are hanging out

Hi B. B

Enjoy life with your young ones. Don't worry what others think.
They are only young once. And they need memories of good times
laughing and smiling. Joining with all their friends in their life at that time. And you being there is wonderful.
You just love them all they are your special gift that was given you.
Have a good day Today
Vicki W

I agree with some of the other replies--just ask the host. My daughter's 7th birthday was in July and 2 of the moms asked if they could stay, and I was very grateful for the extra help. Another mom asked if I minded if she didn't stay and I was perfectly fine with that.

Ask the mother of the birthday child. My daughter is 6 now, and several moms and/or dads stayed during her party. However, a couple ran errands while the kids were kept busy, and having done that myself, I didn't mind. Just talk to the people you're going to be with.

Hi B. B,

I don't see anything wrong with you attending. My daughter is 10 and still likes for me to stay at the party - just in case. The bigger question is: are you going to bring your other children with you? This adds quite an expense to the host, depending on the type of party. How well do you know the mom that is hosting? Ask if siblings are included. I've always offered to pay when I brought my other child. Most of my daughter's friends have siblings, too, so it wasn't a big deal. Do you know other moms who are staying? Our group of friends try to pick things where you don't pay by the child, like the ice skating rink or the roller rink. One flat fee for the place and invite as many as you want. You want your child to be comfortable. Do they want you to stay? If I didn't know the parents very well, I would feel more comfortable if I stayed. hope this helps. Godo Luck! L.

I don't know about etiquette, but I would leave that up the parent(s) of the birthday girl/boy. They might enjoy the company or just the help. But, I think that your 6 year old is old enough to be left on his/her own for awhile with other adult supervision. Plus, you could probably use the break..lol.

I think by that age it is up to the parent of the bday child. Ask the parent if adults are able to attend or if she would rather you drop him/her off. My son's 5th bday, all parents attended but we are all friends. I have heard after 5 yrs old it is ok to leave them there but I would rather parents always attend! I don't want to be responsible for all those kids and I enjoy spending time with the parents.

W.