My daughter will be turning 3 soon. She is one of the oldest amongst her group of little friends (from our play group and babysitting co-op) so I'm not sure how 3 year old parties typically work. Do parents still come to the party or do they drop off the children? My house is small and it's hard to fit everyone if we can't be outside -- especially since (at least in the past) both parents of each child tend to attend the parties. Also, is it totally rude to have a party in the afternoon knowing that many of the kids invited still nap? My daughter doesn't nap any more and it's so hard to get organized for a party first thing in the morning. Please be candid. Thanks!
3 years old would be a little young to be going to a party by themselves. I think a parent would be expected to stay. As for time, around 3pm would work well. That way you don't have to worry about making a meal if you don't want to and it still gives your guests time for a nap if they need one. Better not to have tired, cranky children at your daughter's party!
Having been to my share of children's parties my opinion is that they are not very fun until the children are at least 4. I'd skip the formal party until next year. Host a regular play group meeting and insert a little celebration. You, your daughter and her friends will not get overwhelmed. It will be more fun for everyone all around.
The scheduling question is easier, so I'll tackle that one first. :-) I don't think it's rude to have a party in the afternoon. Kids can take their naps earlier or not at all--we are only talking about one day.
I, for one, would not want to be the only adult at a birthday party with such small children! I think for many reasons the children need to be accompanied by a parent--I'd be requesting it. Also, I would not, in a zillion years, just drop my toddler off at a party and leave--just speaking for myself. Also, since you said both parents typically attend things, I think it would be rude to request that only one parent come. Either have the party outside, move it to a different location, or trim your guest list.
When our boys turned 3 yrs. old one of the parents already had plans during the time the party was scheduled so just dropped their daughter off for a few hours and it worked out fine.
I basically agree with the other posters. My DD is 3 1/2, is potty trained (mostly), and has generally given up afternoon naps. I would never consider dropping her off at a b-day party alone, and I doubt her younger friends are even potty trained! I agree that you don't want to be solo in charge of all those little kiddos (esp charged up on punch and cake); besides, who would be left to take the photos? :-)
I agree that the easiest thing would be "Mommy & Me", trim the guest list, or rent a church room/public area. In St. Paul you have lots of other options too, like the Train Museum, ChuckECheese, etc, etc for party rentals. I wonder if the nature centers there would do any b-day things. Maybe call around to your favorite haunts to see what they can do for you. How about the Eagle's Nest and the parents pay their own admission?
Personally, I would respect naptimes depending upon how many kids you are inviting and how young they are, meaning that I'd do like an 11am party. Granted, you'd be doing lunch. But if the majority of your guest list naps and your child doesn't, hm, I think the polite thing to do would be to consider the majority of your guests. The meal could be as simple as hot dogs, applesauce and chips, right? It's just kids :-)
I've also read that the invitees to the party should number your child's age plus one - so for you, 4 guests. Easier said than done, I know. You don't want to offend anyone. But that could be helpful to you as well.
Anyway, try not to stress too much. It'll be great no matter what you decide :-)
