Help with Invites to Children's B-day Parties

First off you have to prioritize the parties. You won't be able to attend all of them, so try to go to the ones of the kids he really talks about and seems to socialize with at school. If you've never heard of a child chances are he won't be that upset at not attending their party. Then, take him, stay for a bit with the baby and if you feel comfortable leave him until the end, if not, take him and go. In todays day and age most parents are expecting that a few if not most of the parents plan on staying at the party and usually enjoy the company of the other adults and even provide some snacks and drinks for them. It might actually be a good way for you to get to know some of the other parents which can come in really handy when planning a playdate or sometimes you just need someone to carpool with for an event. Good luck!

I just don't understand the assumption that parents are expected to drop off their children at birthday parties. I would never drop off my elementary age child at a party. For one, it is too stressful on the birthday child's parents to have to babysit in addition to entertaining so many children. Second of all, even if you know or "feel comfortable" with the host parents, there will still be other adults at the party that you don't know, ie. relatives of the birthday child, and parents of other children. I am not a paranoid individual and I consider myself quite trusting, however, let's get real. There are sick and evil people everywhere and some are even parents and grandparents. I would never leave my child anywhere that he/she could be taken advantage of or hurt. All it takes is a few minutes to scar a child forever. Birthday parties should be fun. Attending w/ another child and just being a watchful eye over your older child is not a problem w/ parents. It is not for me, at least. If I plan a party for my children, I always include siblings, and parents. It is the party givers responsibility to accommodate for parents and possibly siblings. Once a child is in school, the party-giver should start stating specifics on the invitation such as, siblings welcome, or unable to accommodate for siblings. This gives parents a heads up without making anyone feel uncomfortable.
If your child's invitations don't state this then go ahead and make a phone a call and reassure the host parent that there will be no hard feelings if your other child can not be accommodated for.
Good luck.

My first question is why do you not know a few of the moms of other kids in your son's class??? I understand you have a baby, but do you not drop off and pick your son up from school?? do you not talk to other parents when you are standing in front of your child's class? what about when he talks about specific friends a lot...don't you look for to try and meet those children's parents??

That's what I did, even when pregnant with my twins when my daughter was in first grade.. That way I would feel comfortable taking her to a few of the parties. Plus my daughter picked a few of her classmates to have at her own party for her birthday. I also volunteered at the school as much as possible, even if it was to pick stuff up and drop it off that I could do at home. That way I could meet other parents as much as possible.

Good Luck

Hi,

I have to admit that going to kid's birthday parties is not one of my favorite parts of being a Mom. But, that being said, it was definitely one of my favorite parts of being a kid. I agree with you that I don't think it's appropriate to drop off a 7 year old at a stranger's house. There are some bad people in this world and some of them are even parents. I'm not sure why you are so reluctant to go to yourself with your baby. At childrens birthday parties, there are always parents there with younger siblings. Of course you should should take your son to birthday parties!!! Why should he miss out? Because there is a baby in the family?? Good luck!!!

I know you have already gotten a lot of responses - but I would say to go check w/ the hostess to let them know you will be coming along w/ your baby, at least for a bit. They won't mind, and if they do, I would cancel anyway. Then, plan to go but play it by ear. If the parents seem appropriate and the environment safe, and you feel comfortable, you may want to leave for a while. If not, or if you want to get to know the other parents (which is a good idea) feel free to stay. I've been to parties where there were other parents who were welcoming and I've gotten to know, and I've been to some which seem to just be the kids, and the birthday child's parents and relatives with all the parents just "dropping off." You won't know how it will be until you get there, but use your instincts whether it is a good idea to stay or not. At 7, they will soon be having more and more "drop off," parties, and you will want to gradually move that way, always going with your gut of what is safe and what's not. Be sure to prepare your child with "what to do if . . ." and also go by the maturity level of your child and his friends.

Having a baby may actually make it easier to get to know the other parents as they will likely strike up a conversation when they see you with the baby.

And I don't think you are depressed for your feelings, I used to feel the same way but realize you have to do some things you don't love for the best interest of your kids, it is just part of parenting! (and feel free to be "selective" of which parties to go to and which not to :) )

Good luck, it will be OK!

You need to step out of your comfort zone and take your son to these parties. I am not saying to leave him, but you should attend as well. I appreciate that you wouldn't leave your son at a stranger's house for a birthday party, and I am sure that the parents hosting the party also appreciate that. But your son is missing out on the socialization with his peers. This is not about how uncomfortable you would feel sitting there with your baby. It is about making sure that your son has positive interactions with his peers and is able to form friendships that might last the rest of his life. How do you think he feels after the party when all of the other children are talking about the fun they had and he didn't get to go? Also, these birthday parties are a great opportunity for you to meet the children that your son spends his school days with, as well as meeting their parents.

I would say he shouldn't have to go to ALL the b-day parties, but to his few friends that he talks about the most. If you don't know the parents of some of these kids and he claims that they are good friends, then perhaps you should consider getting out of your comfort zone and going (introducing yourself, taking care of your child, and then deciding for yourself if this is the environment appropriate for your child). In my opinion, I believe it is part of the parent's job to get to know the people within his community of peers. If you're posting this question, then you are obviously struggling. You need to go with your value system and perhaps with what you would've wanted as a child. Get out there and visit homes, kids, meet parents, be social! Or not, it's whatever example you want to set for your child. Good luck to you.

I do not have a 7 year old but I would say that having him at a house would feel more comfortable than having him be alone at a public place. ???Don't you think that makes sense? he could dissappeat at a public place or God forbid could get kidnapped (worse case scenario)... but at a house, if he is not "watched" every second he is there, chances of those things happening would be a lot less I would think! ??? I think you should let him go, even by himself should be fine. Be careful if it is at a pool, that he knows how to swim or you ask the parents if they will be watching them (sitting by/next to) the pool at all times kids are swimming.

Here we have tons of birthday parties and the kids invite the entire class also. I always call the hosting parent and ask if I can bring my other 2 kids cause the one invited can't go if the other 2 can't go. I judt moved here and know noone and there is no one to baby sit while we are at the party. Also like you I will not drop off my child unless I know the parent very well. I have trust issues and I am very protective. If the parent doesnot have a phone number on the invite, tell your childs teacher to send a note home with that child asking their parent to call you. Teachers usually have no problem doing this cause they are not giving out personal info unless asked by the person giving the number.

Good Luck

Mary

When you RSVP, ask if it is all right for you to bring the baby. Everyone will say yes! We took our baby to all his brother's parties. And people bring infant siblings to ours. It doesn't bother anyone, and it is a great way to meet the parents of your child's peers.

Valerie S. makes several very good points. Kids do love going to birthday parties! In a way, your son might start to view not being able to go to these parties as "punishment" b/c of the baby. I can understand if the baby is just a few weeks old and you do not want to get him/her out due to catching a sickness or something. What about their father? Could he stay home with the baby and you take your 7 year old to the party? or vice versa. This has worked well for me. When my husband takes our son to a birthday party, he is usually the only male parent there, so I tend to be the one to take my son to the parties and he'll stay home with our daughter. There is also nothing wrong with taking your baby to the parties with you if you feel he/she is old enough to be around other people. We recently had a birthday party for our son here at our house and someone brought their baby. Noone seemed to mind at all. I know I sure didn't. Everyone loves a baby :)

I have been to parties with my kids where I feel totally out of place b/c I don't know anyone else there. Bring a book or something and sit off to the side if you do not feel comfortable mingling with the other parents. If your baby is with you and you don't feel like mingling, then hang off to the side and have activities for him/her and have your own little play date while you keep an eye on your son.

I definitely agree that no parent should just be dropping their child off at a birthday party at a strangers house. Hang in there. The more parties you go to, the easier it is to get to know the other parents there. Pretty soon, you'll probably be chatting it up with all the other moms :)

Hello AK,

Protocol for birthday parties for friends from school is that you drop off your child after stressing good behavior is expected along with a gift. Birthday parties at home have always been the norm for most people. If you want to be at the party with your child,go visit or call the other child's parents well BEFORE the party and ASK if they need any assistance and volunteer to be of service. As long as your baby isn't a crier they should be open to allowing you and baby to stay. On the other hand, when someone throws a party, they don't usually expect the whole family to attend.

If you join the PTA, none of the other parents will be strangers to you.

Peace,
B.

I have a similiar problem with my kids.

This is what I have done in the past when I had a "baby" with me.

Drop your child off at the intended's house. Go in with the baby, stay for a short while. SEE that he is OKAY. And leave for a while. Most parties are only 2-3 hours tops. He gets to attend the party, while you get to see that he is being watched and cared for. While you can leave for 1 hour, then return to pick him up.

He will still be glad he got to go and you dont feel bad for staying with a baby. Both win.

A K,

He needs to go to the parties. He is old enough now to be left to a degree even if you just got to the corner for coffee then come back. Or if you need to stay with the baby bring the baby stuff to entertain them and if they get fussy excuse the two of you then come back when they are better. This is part of learning social skills and how to handle themselves when you are not around. If you are always there they depend on you to make their friends for them and they don't know how to handle situations. You can sit your son down and go over all the sinario's (sp?) that could happen at the party and see what he would do. This is how to prepare him for the world out there.

The other thing you could do is find another mom from school that is in the same boat and take turns going to the parties then at least you know there is one more set of eyes than that of the host mom. Believe me being a host mom is one of the most stressful jobs. When you are throwing a party for your child with all these other kids that are your responsibility you are a nervouse wreck making sure each and every one of them enjoy's themselves and is safe.

Let him go to the parties. They stop in a few years and he will never have experienced it.

Keep it up mom. You are doing great.
Deborah

Your son is beginning to make friends at school, and that is a wonderful thing. Part of your job as a mom is to become invested in your son's friends and their families. Please see this as a wonderful opportunity to begin what may be life long connections for all of you, by stepping out of your comfort zone and meet people. It may seem awkward at first, but you will get used to it, and the baby is a great ice breaker. Good friends at school are so important these days.

K. (mom of 24 and 17 year old, who both still have friends from kindergarten)

yes definitely go with him. it is good for him, the baby, and you!

i don't want to intrude, but i know withdrawing from people can be one of many symptoms of deppression.... and among other things, talking with other moms is a great way to lessen these symptoms. even if you are not depressed and just concerned, i know getting to know these people will make your life sparkle a little more!

I suggest calling the parents of the birthday child in advance and just "chit-chat" to get a feel of the situation. I have even gone to a childs house in advance just to meet the parents before i would allow them to go to a party. If you still do not feel comfortable leaving them there alone - just accompany them - but stay for a short time and then leave. If they are the type of parents you want your child around, then they will not be offended in the least - but will welcome your efforts.

Usually kids in elementary school know everyone because they typically live near each other. This is when you have to attend PTA meetings and all school and sports activities - if for nothing more than to get to know the other parents. This is the time to be "outgoing" and say hello to every parent you see in the grocery store.

I was able to truthfully tell my kids in high school that they had better behave wherever they went because i knew all their friends parents and could find out anything. They believed me too because they knew it was true! But you have to start while they are young. Good luck!

About me - a 53 yr old working mom of 2 grown kids and "grsmmy" to a 3 yr old, and married 30 years.

take a friend of yours with you. making sure first that it would be ok. that way you are comfortable with the situation. your child needs the social interactions and maybe you do as well.... most parents are just happy the children invited show up and don't mind a little sibling tagging along.

Know how ya feel! I believe we all experience this. I used to be very hesitant at first. But now, I always call the parents first to warm up a little and learn a bit about them. I have even gone over to their home in advance. Mothers can usually "vibe" the atmosphere or family environment. You can learn a lot to judge your comfort level if you contact ahead of time and talk.

I would definitely never leave my 8 year old, but my 11 yo and 12 yo I have and will because of their age.

For what it's worth, among the circle of parents I know, seven seems to be the age when kids start to go to parties on their own, instead of with a parent in tow. That takes care of problem number one, but leaves problem number two to resolve. What about calling the parents in advance and chatting with them a little about their plans for the party -- perhaps that would reassure you? I know for me that it was through birthday parties that I got to know parents of children in my child's class. I have a lot of social discomfort with people i don't know, so I didn't enjoy it that much, but I have definitely benefited a lot from knowing my daughter's friends' families -- they have been a source of information about things going on at the school, and great support for issues that come up from when and where the good swim classes are to the best way to pick a new school for my daughter. Once they weren't strangers, it has been easier to feel comfortable sitting through kids parties, and it will be easier, when my daughter turns seven, to drop her off and trust that she'll be appropriately supervised until I pick her up. Because I know the whole group of parents, if there were parents who had very different views on childcare than I did, or who had problems going on in the house, it is likely that I would be aware of it, and could tactfully find a way to turn down that one invitation. If the idea of leaving your child at a birthday party is completely unacceptable to you, might you offer to let your child invite the birthday child over to your house for dinner and some play in the week following the party to celebrate the child's birthday and to allow your child to have a social life, to have some of the benefits of learning how to interact with peers socially, and to not feel deprived?

Good luck!
M.

Get to know the parents!!

How do you know you'ed be the only one there with a baby? If your son is 7 and you plan to keep him in his present school, you'ed best get to know the parents of the kids he goes to school with. There will be several other mothers at the parties. Other mothers don't just drop of their children, plus, the hostess really prefers that the mothers stay, for "crowd control" if for no other reason. Take your baby and go and have a good time, but please don't deprive your 7 year old of a good time with his friends.

I always went with my children to the party and stayed until they got older. Especially if I didn't know them. Most people understand this. When possible, I would try to make myself useful too and help them out with the party. The more you go the more you will get to know the other moms and children. Make sure you aren't depriving your son because it's inconvenient for you or for his sibling. Birthday parties are a fun part of childhood and believe me I've been to a ton and I usually ended up having a really good time myself!

Hello: I'm the same way. If my 6 year old goes to a party, I require that I attend. I have a 4 year old who also comes. I just mention briefly when RSVPing that the "little brother" will have to come just to watch with me but he won't be joining in the festivities so if that's a problem please let me know. At 6 years now, I'm noticing that there are more movie parties at the movie theater or Austin Zoo etc. and that's my problem b/c I will not leave my daughter alone in a public place, although in all fairness most parents do just drop them off and take off (but look totally relieved when they find out I'm staying to "help" keep watch with a second set of eyes), but this means incurring expense for myself and the little brother. I've never had a parent state or indicate in any manner that my presence or my son's was a problem. So I say go, even if it's pool party at someone's house, and take the sibling. ;)

Hi AK,

Of course you need to let your son attend the parties. It is his way of being able to socialize without all the stresses and limits of school. Plan on taking him at least for an hour, while you get to know the other parents. What better way to get to know the parents of the kids your son will grow up with? Not to mention gain an insider to what's to come in the future. Getting to know the parents will be such a benefit when your son gets older and wants to start doing more things. Not only can they help in being there when you are not, but they may also be more aware of what is going on in their social lives than you may be. You never know, you may gain some good friends along the way. Plus, I am sure other moms will have another baby, so they may have more in common than you think. And to think it all started with a little invite to a children's party.

Good luck and have fun!!

By all means take the 7 year old to the party. Don't worry about the younger sibling. There will most likely be other younger (and older) siblings there as well. I know the parties my son has attended and hosted we always have younger and older siblings attend too. Sometimes the parents call and ask if it is ok, sometimes not.

I am very much a wall flower and not very talkative around people I don't know. But, you already have one thing in common to talk about, children. People always have stories.

My favorite reason to attend parties for my son's friends or host them for his b-day is because it gives me a chance to see how he relates and plays with other children. I had to go back to work shortly after he was born. Though putting him in day care was the hardest thing I ever did in my life, it was the best for him. He is very social (like his dad). He loves friends, he always finds someone to play with when we go places. Before he could talk you could tell by Sunday he would be looking around the house for other people his size/age.

Kids at his day care started having parties and inviting his class at about 3 years old. It was funny to see them come face to face the first time outside of school. They knew they recognized the person, but it wasn't in the same setting as it normally was.

His 6th b-day is this Saturday and we are having our usual swimming party at the Elks Lodge here. He's invited his class, his friends that are family friends, and also his t-ball teammates. The teammates are all very excited. They have gradually become buddies and this will be the first time they have had the opportunity to "socialize" because they only really see each other at practice or a game. A few go to school together, but that's it.

By all means, take him to the party. He'll love it and you'll get used to it. Take your camera, it's a great place to get shots of the kids together because you are not having to attend to hosting duties. Besides, when his birthday rolls around and he wants to have a party, what are you going to do? If you have declined others invitations they may be hesitant to attend his.

One other thing... At day care, the year all the kids were turning 5, he was invited to his classmates party. I knew the whole class had been invited. We had had another party earlier that day, I was tired, and didn't really want to go. But, I had RSVP'd and he was looking forward to it. Well, my son ended up being the ONLY child who came. You could tell the b-day boy was disappointed at the turn out in addition to the parents who had gone to all the trouble. I was sad for him and them. But, I was so glad I had bit the bullet and gone. Imagine if we had not gone!

The rule in our house is they may go to birthday parties that are only close friends. That way we know the kids and the parents and we are not attending a party every week. I have 3 children. It can get very busy. I wouldn't let my children go to a strangers house either.
Also, one more tip, I keep a tote in my closet filled with little gifts, games and such for that last minute party invite.

Trust your instincts. I believe instincts are God-given. For the next person, it may be their nature to be out and about with their newborn, while entertaining their 7 year olds interest. For the next person, their child may be susceptible to airborne coughs, colds, TB. You just never really know. If something tells you to raise your child to think cautiously, then you really need to. This world is ugly. No one can teach them better than you. You know how I know? Because God entrusted them TO you. Hope this helps.

Sometimes you just have to trust yourself that you have taught your child in the right way. My daughter is seven also.I just started to let her go. I ask her all about it when the party is over. I will always go in and meet the parents but she has been fine. I have to learn to let go alittle. Just make sure to keep that communication going.

Loosen the reins, lady and let your son go to the parties. If you are that nervous about something happening then stay with him and bring the baby--I'm sure that the other moms will understand and you may even make some friends. You are, hopefully, aware that the risk of someone trying to harm your child is much higher at a public place than at someone's home? Why do you think that Chuck E Cheeses has the security wrist bands and someone at the door. My experience has been that when a party is thrown at a public place (Pump It Up is the worst) it is much harder for the birthday mom to supervise what is going on and where everyone is.

The birthday party invitations will start drying up soon and your son will feel the effects at school if you don't let have start having a social life.

I feel your pain. I actually asked if I could bring someone with me and used her as a buffer till I got to know the parents. This way your son can still go and your comfortable to meet new people.

I would say call the parents and ask if it would be a problem if you and baby came. They should say no problem or he shouldn't go anyway...then you could "volunteer to help out". If he scoofs at having his mom there you can say you are helping. It would be a good way to get to know your son's friend's families which could only be good. Then you can tell him after it is all clear! No parent could fault you for being such a good parent. You may want to ask if they are providing food and offer to bring your own "burger" or whatever so they don't feel burdened with unexpected costs?

Isn't there a grandparent, dad, or friend who could watch the baby for a couple of hours? It isn't fair to your son to always be denied because of the baby, and it will build resentment in him for that baby. Also you may be surprised how many other mom's are in your situation and have to bring their baby's as well. You might even make a new friend and in the future be able to have one of you go and watch both kids at the party, and one stay home with the babies! And you may find a new friend that will allow your son to have a new friend and you would all have new friends to go to the park with and have play dates etc! bottom line don't short change yourself or your son and you may be surprised at the outcome! By the way it would be a common courtesy to ask the parent of the birthday boy if it is ok for you to come and bring the baby, as she may have only intended to feed and or accommadate the kids that were invited. just a thought!

I think it's great for kids to get to socialize outside of the school setting! As a mom who has frequent parties at her house, I NEVER mind when a mom stays for the party. I would stay if I did not know the family and felt uncomfortable. I also try to make it a point to meet other parents who have invited my kids over BEFORE they go over to their house. If I don't stay , I leave my cell phone with my child and have taught them to call me ASAP if they feel uncomfortable. I hope you figure out a way to let your cild enjoy this time AND feel comfortable with him attending!! Good luck!!

I know that kids parties can get out of control, especially when your family already has a big schedule. But do you want your child to be anti-social? These families are inviting you into their home. What a gracious invitation. Here is an idea. Go. Allow your child to spend time with his friends at school. Be social while you are there and get to know the parents of the kids your child has befriended. I'm thinking that would be a good thing. You might find a new friend yourself.

I think you should definitely let him go and go with him. Birthday parties are happening more at houses than they used to at least in my expereince. We don't go to all but the ones we can we do try to that way I can meet some of the other parents. You would be surprised at how many other mothers have infants or younger children with them when they come. I don't think you have anything to worry about going to someone's house or to the pool. At a pool party most of the parents don't get in anyway so you wouldn't have to worry about being in a swimsuit in front of others. All of the bday parties we've been to we had a great time. We have even had my son's bday parties at our house and have a really good turn out and my husband and I get to meet a lot of people that we normally would not. Plus your son gets to enjoy the party while you sit back and someone else cooks and entertains. You should definitely go you'd probably really enjoy yourself.

Seven is an important age for a child to feel a part of things socially...eight even more so, so I agree that you should try to let him attend some. I know I have always shown up with my younger children at parties and have always had other siblings at our parties and it has been no big deal, especially because the baby is so young and wouldn't even want a treat bag for example...it gets tricky when they are closer in age. Besides, you never know when you will meet that one person that you really relate to well and you could end up with a friend! Keep gifts to ten dollars and under and little girls like jewelry so Claires is a great place to get little girl gifts. Boys can even get McDonalds gift certificates or movie gift cards...just some unusual gifts for ideas. Good luck.

In my experience in the early elementary years, bday kids usually invited the entire classroom or girls/boys only. I always allowed my kids to go to every party possible because this is one way of teaching them how to make and keep friends, gift giving and celebrating important dates. You will also serve as your child's role model when you initiate friendships with other parents.
I also would feel uncomfortable leaving my kids by themselves in someone's house at that age. Why not just stay at the party with your baby and help with the party and enjoy the company of other moms/dads there. When I gave parties at my house, I always expected to entertain and feed other adult and possible siblings, so don't feel uncomfortable about that. When I would RSVP to other kid's parties, I would say that I wanted to stay at the party along with a younger sibling so the hostess would be prepared. If there will be a problem, then they would mention it then.

Hi! I would just like to add that you don't have to attend EVERY party you are invited to. Find out which kids your son is close to, and just go to a few parties. Hope that helps.

Most parents would have no problem with you attending the party and bringing your baby. In fact, I would be suspicious of anyone that was not appreciative of the help. This is just as much an opportunity for you as it is for him. You have the chance to get acquainted with the parents of those children that could very well end up being your son's future lifelong friends. Bonds developed in grade school are not easily broken and if they carry through to high school, they're iron-clad.
Examples?
We went out to eat for Mother's Day. The young man that seated us kept looking at us. On our way out, he said "I've got it! You (my 16 year old son) used to go to (elementary) and you (me) used to help at the book fair and the PTA all the time. Hi, I'm .... and I went to school with (my 20 year old)." Needless to say, he'd changed over the last 8 years so I didn't recognize him but he was very talkative about his friendship with my daughter and inquisitive about how things had gone with her after they were forced to go to different middle schools and lost track.

Go and meet the other parents. Depending on where you are going to school, you may have these same kids in your class next year. It is great to know other parents so you have others to discuss school issues with.

Also, you can't make an informed decision about someone unless you actually spend time with them. It won't be long when he will want to go and play with his friends, so take this time to get to know people.

If you don't know the parents that well then why don't you try on a weekend or weekday afternoon to get together with one of your child's friends parents for a playdate. Just so you can get to know them in a more trusting way then trying to talk to them at a party where they have more people to worry about. Try some one on one. Even if you just invite them out to some pizza place where the kids can play arcade games while the grown ups talk. Not only would you be gaining trust for them, but they would probably feel a little better when it's your kid who is having an at home birthday party.

Most (unless they know you well) don't want to babysit your child. I feel exactly as you do. But, I don't let my daughter go anywhere else with her friends of course, she's only 7. That is her one time. So, even if I have to take my other 2, I've forced myself to. She understands that we can't always stay forever. But, I tell her no so many times, that I feel I have to let her have this one time. It's hard for me, but in the end, it's ok. Many parents can tell when you're shy and will limit their conversations with you. Your child will run and play with the other children until it's time to go. If he's invited to too many, then maybe let him choose 1 out of 2 or 3 to actually go to, but that you can't go to all of them.

I am the party planner for my sister's little boy's birthday parties. I have planned 3 now. They are at his grandmother's house. Every time, siblings have come to the party. Everything worked out. As a hostess, I prefer to be informed and asked if it is ok. What I recommend to you is to call the birthday boy's mom and ask her if it is ok to bring your baby to the party. My nephew just turned 6. Parents were expected to attend. I am not sure what age that stops, but I would think parents are still welcome to come until age 11.
His friends may stop inviting him if he cannot ever go. Public parties are very expensive.
Hope this helps.

Take your baby with you and you just might find out that these strangers are really nice people. Don't keep your son from having fun with his friends. You will make friends at these parties too. Go and enjoy yourself!